Method for processing metal body and apparatus for processing metal body

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method for processing a metal body which can turn a metal structure of the metal body into a finer grain structure thus obtaining the high strength and the high ductility. In a method or an apparatus for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for processing a metal bodyand an apparatus for processing a metal body which allows the metal bodyto have a high strength, the high ductility or the uniform structure byturning the metal structure of an object such as a metal body into afiner grain structure.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there has been known that with respect to a materialwhich possesses the metal structure such as a metal body, the strengthor the ductility of the material can be enhanced by turning the metalstructure into the finer grain structure using an ECAP (Equal ChannelAngular Pressing) method.

In the ECAP method, as shown in FIG. 33, the metal structure is turnedinto the finer grain structure in such a manner that an insertionpassage 200 which has a midst portion thereof bent at a desired angle isformed in a die 100, a desired metal body 300 is inserted into theinsertion passage 200 by pushing so as to bend the metal body 300 alongthe insertion passage 200 and hence, a shearing stress is generated inthe metal body 300 due to such bending, whereby the metal structure isturned into the finer grain structure due to the shearing stress. InFIG. 33, numeral 400 indicates a plunger which pushes the metal body.

In such an ECAP method, to facilitate the bending of the metal body 300along the insertion passage 200, the deformation resistance is loweredby heating the whole metal body 300 by heating the die 100 at a giventemperature. However, when the deformation resistance of the metal body300 is largely lowered, there exists a possibility that the undesireddeformation such as buckling is generated in the metal body 300 when themetal body 300 is pushed by the plunger 400 and hence, it is necessaryto suppress the heating of the metal body 300 to a necessary minimum.

When the heating of the metal body 300 is suppressed, since it isnecessary to push the metal body 300 by the plunger 400 with arelatively large force, there has been a drawback that the formabilityis poor.

Accordingly, in a method for processing a metal material and anapparatus for processing the metal material disclosed in Japanese patentlaid-open-2001-321825, there has been proposed a technique in which ashearing deformation region of an insertion passage where a shearingstress is applied to a metal body is locally heated and hence, thedeformation resistance of a shearing deformation portion of the metalbody is reduced by heating, whereby a force which pushes the metal bodyusing a plunger can be decreased thus enhancing the formability.

However, usually, when a portion of a metal-made die is locally heated,the whole die is heated to a given temperature due to the influence ofthermal diffusion and hence, the formation of the locally heated regionis difficult.

Accordingly, so long as the metal body is inserted in the insertionpassage, the metal body is continuously heated at the given temperatureand hence, there has been a possibility that the metal structure whichis once turned into the finer grain structure by the shearing stressbecomes coarse.

Further, since the ECAP method is required to use the die which is aconsumable product, it is necessary to exchange the die depending on thedurable condition of the die thus also giving rise to a drawback that amanufacturing cost is pushed up.

In such circumstances, recently, in an automobile industry particularly,the reduction of weight of a vehicle body or the like is desired forenhancing the mileage or for enhancing the traveling performances. Here,there exits a considerable demand for the reduction of weight by makinguse of a metal body which can obtain a high strength by making the metalstructure finer not only with respect to high-class cars but also withrespect to general-use cars. Accordingly, there exists a potentialdemand for a metal body which possesses a high strength or highductility at a low cost.

Inventors of the present invention have made research and developmentfor manufacturing various kinds of metal bodies which possess the highstrength or the high ductility at a low cost by turning the metalstructure into a finer grain structure and have arrived at the presentinvention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention described in claim 1, in a method forprocessing a metal body which can make the metal structure of the metalbody finer by forming a low deformation resistance region where thedeformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and bydeforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, a non-lowdeformation resistance region is formed along the low deformationresistance region using a non-low deformation resistance region formingmeans which forms the non-low deformation resistance region byincreasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the lowdeformation resistance region. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to efficiently turn the metal structure of the low deformationresistance region portion which is locally formed into the finer grainstructure.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region which traverses the metal body by locally lowering thedeformation resistance of a metal body which extends in one directionand by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing,using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which formsa non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformationresistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region,the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along at least oneside periphery of the low deformation resistance region. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to efficiently turn the metal structure ofthe low deformation resistance region portion which is locally formedinto the finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 3, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 2, the metal body is movedalong the extending direction and, at the same time, the non-lowdeformation resistance region is formed by the non-low deformationresistance region forming means along side peripheries of the lowdeformation resistance region at a downstream side in the movingdirection. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to extremelyefficiently and continuously form the metal body having the finer metalstructure.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 3, thenon-low deformation resistance region forming means includes coolingmeans which cools the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to extremely easily and surely form the non-low deformationresistance region and hence, the metal body having finer grain structurecan be surely formed at a low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed in a vacuum.Due to such a constitution, it is possible to prevent the formation of areaction film of a gaseous component on a surface of the low deformationresistance region deformed by shearing and hence, the processing in poststeps can be alleviated. Particularly, when the metal body is heated informing the low deformation resistance region, it is possible to coolthe metal body by making use of a self cooling function without usingthe cooling means and hence, the efficiency of formation of the lowdeformation resistance region can be enhanced.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed in a highpressure atmosphere. Due to such a constitution, by applying the highpressure to the low deformation resistance region, it is possible toenhance the efficiency in turning the metal structure into the finergrain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 7, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed in an activegas atmosphere. Due to such a constitution, while turning the metalstructure of the metal body into the finer grain structure, it ispossible to form a reaction region with the active gas on a surface ofthe low deformation resistance region and hence, it is possible to formthe highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 7, the active gas is nitrogengas. Due to such a constitution, while turning the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure, it is possible to nitridethe low deformation resistance region and hence, it is possible to formthe highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 9, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 7, the active gas is methanegas and/or carbon monoxide gas. Due to such a constitution, whileturning the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grainstructure, it is possible to apply the carburizing treatment to the lowdeformation resistance region and hence, it is possible to form thehighly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 10, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, a powdery material is sprayed to the low deformationresistance region. Due to such a constitution, while turning the metalstructure of the metal body into the finer grain structure, it ispossible to mechanically mix the powdery material into the lowdeformation resistance region and hence, it is possible to form thehighly functionalized metal body. Particularly, it is possible to easilyform a metal body having the composition which is difficult tomanufacture by the conventional casting and, at the same time, when apowdery material other than metal is sprayed to the low deformationresistance is sprayed, it is also possible to produce a novel material.

According to the invention described in claim 11, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, ion doping is applied to the low deformation resistanceregion. Due to such a constitution, while turning the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure, it is possible to mix theionized particles into the low deformation resistance region and hence,it is possible to form the highly functionalized metal body.Particularly, it is possible to easily form the metal body having thecomposition which is hardly formed using the conventional casting.

According to the invention described in claim 12, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed by applyingsecond heating to the metal body after applying first heating for agiven time. Due to such a constitution, a heating state of the lowdeformation resistance region can be homogenized in the formation of thelow deformation resistance region by heating and hence, it is possibleto turn the metal structure into finer homogenous structure.

According to the invention described in claim 13, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 111, the lowdeformation resistance region is formed by applying second heating tothe metal body after applying first heating for a given time. Due tosuch a constitution, a heating state of the low deformation resistanceregion can be homogenized in the formation of the low deformationresistance region by heating and hence, it is possible to turn the metalstructure into finer homogenous structure.

According to the invention described in claim 14, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed in anon-constraining region of constraining means which constrains the metalbody heated to a high temperature. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to turn the metal structure of the metal body in the heatedstate during the manufacturing steps of the metal body into the finergrain structure and hence, the metal body having the finer metalstructure can be manufactured without increasing the manufacturingsteps.

According to the invention described in claim 15, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the lowdeformation resistance region is formed in a non-constraining region ofconstraining means which constrains the metal body heated to a hightemperature.

Due to such a constitution, it is possible to turn the metal structureof the metal body in the heated state during the manufacturing steps ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure and hence, the metal bodyhaving the finer metal structure can be manufactured without increasingthe manufacturing steps.

According to the invention described in claim 16, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 5 to 14, themetal body is quenched after the deformation by shearing. Due to such aconstitution, the growth of the metal structure attributed to thecontinuation of the heating state can be suppressed and, at the sametime, the quench hardening can be applied to the metal body whereby itis possible to form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 17, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed by heating themetal body and, at the same time, the metal body is quenched after thelow deformation resistance region is deformed by shearing. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to prevent the growth of the metalstructure attributed to the continuation of the heating state and, atthe same time, the quench hardening can be applied to the metal bodywhereby it is possible to form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 18, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 5 to 11, the lowdeformation resistance region is formed by heating the metal body and,at the same time, the metal body is quenched after the low deformationresistance region is deformed by shearing. Due to such a constitution,it is possible to prevent the growth of the metal structure attributedto the continuation of the heating state and, at the same time, thequench hardening can be applied to the metal body whereby it is possibleto form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 19, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the low deformation resistance region is formed in the metalbody which is immersed in a liquid. Due to such a constitution, theirregularities of conditions for forming the low deformation resistanceregion can be suppressed whereby it is possible to turn the metalstructure into the homogeneous finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 20, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 19, the low deformationresistance region is formed by heating the metal body in the liquid. Dueto such a constitution, it is possible to speedily cool the lowdeformation resistance region which is formed by heating. Particularly,it is possible to continuously perform the quench hardening to portionswhere the deformation by shearing is finished. Accordingly, the morehighly functionalized metal body can be formed.

According to the invention described in claim 21, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 20, in forming the lowdeformation resistance region, the heat conductivity of a periphery ofthe low deformation resistance region is lowered. Accordingly, it ispossible to efficiently heat the metal body in the liquid.

According to the invention described in claim 22, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 20, in forming the lowdeformation resistance region, bubbles are generated in a periphery ofthe low deformation resistance region. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to efficiently heat the metal body in the liquid.

According to the invention described in claim 23, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, the metal body which has the finer metal structure issubjected to plastic forming without turning the metal structure intocoarser grain structure. Due to such a constitution, since the metalstructure can be turned into the finer grain structure, it is possibleto provide the metal body which possesses the high strength and the highductility and also possesses a given shape.

According to the invention described in claim 24, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 23, themetal body which has the finer metal structure is subjected to plasticforming without turning the metal structure into coarser grainstructure. Due to such a constitution, since the metal structure can beturned into the finer grain structure, it is possible to provide themetal body which possesses the high strength and the high ductility andalso possesses a given shape.

According to the invention described in claim 25, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 23 or claim 24, the plasticforming is performed in a heated state for a short time which does notturn the metal structure of the metal body into coarser grain structure.Due to such a constitution, it is possible to prevent a drawback thatthe acquisition of the high strength and the high ductility isobstructed due to the growth of the metal structure during the plasticforming.

According to the invention described in claim 26, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 23 to 25, theaging treatment is performed without turning the metal structure intocoarser grain structure after the metal structure is subjected toplastic forming. Due to such a constitution, the metal body who hasacquired the high strength or the high ductility can further enhance thestrength thereof.

According to the invention described in claim 27, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 26, themetal body is subjected to the carburizing treatment. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to turn the metal structure into the finergrain structure by performing the carburizing treatment along with thedeformation of the low deformation resistance region by shearing andhence, the more highly functionalized metal body can be formed.

According to the invention described in claim 28, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 27, themetal structure of the metal body is turned into the finer grainstructure by stretching the low deformation resistance region. Due tosuch a constitution, it is possible to apply not only the strainattributed to shearing but also the strain attributed to the stretchingto the low deformation resistance region and hence, the metal structurecan be turned into the further finer metal structure.

According to the invention described in claim 29, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 27, themetal structure of the metal body is turned into the finer grainstructure by compressing the low deformation resistance region. Due tosuch a constitution, it is possible to apply not only the strainattributed to shearing but also the strain attributed to the compactingto the low deformation resistance region and hence, the metal structurecan be turned into the further finer metal structure. Particularly, bycompressing the low deformation resistance region, it is possible toprevent the occurrence of a drawback that the metal body is cracked dueto the deformation by shearing imparted to the low deformationresistance region, and the low deformation resistance region can befurther deformed by shearing thus turning the metal structure into thefurther finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 30, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 6 to 29, themetal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollow portion andthe hollow portion is held in a reduced pressure state. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to deform the low deformation resistanceregion by shearing in a state that the metal body is deformed bycontracting toward the hollow portion in the low deformation resistanceregion thus turning the metal structure into the further finer grainstructure.

According to the invention described in claim 31, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 29, themetal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollow portion andthe hollow portion is held in a high pressure state. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to deform the low deformation resistanceregion by shearing in a state that the metal body is deformed byexpansion in the low deformation resistance region thus turning themetal structure into the further finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 32, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 31, aforming guide body which forms the metal body into a given shape isbrought into contact with the low deformation resistance region. Due tosuch a constitution, while turning the metal structure into the finergrain structure in the low deformation resistance region due to thedeformation by shearing, it is possible to deform a shape of metal bodyinto desired shape using the forming guide body and hence, it ispossible to provide the metal body which possesses the high strength andthe high ductility and also has the desired shape.

According to the invention described in claim 33, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 32, the forming guide bodyconstitutes heating means which heats the metal body. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to locally heat a contact portion of themetal body which is brought into contact with the forming guide body andhence, the formation of the low deformation resistance region is furtherfacilitated.

According to the invention described in claim 34, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in claim 32, the forming guide bodyconstitutes cooling means which cools the metal body. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to locally cool a contact portion of themetal body which is brought into contact with the forming guide body andhence, the low deformation resistance region after the deformation byshearing can be efficiently cooled whereby the manufacturing efficiencycan be enhanced.

According to the invention described in claim 35, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 34, the lowdeformation resistance region is formed in a transverse manner in themetal body which is extended in one direction, and the low deformationresistance region is moved along the extending direction of the metalbody. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to extremely easilyturn the whole metal structure of the metal body which is extended inone direction into the finer grain structure and hence, it is possibleto continuously turn the metal structure into the finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 36, in the method forprocessing a metal body described in any one of claims 1 to 34, the lowdeformation resistance region traverses the metal body, and one ofnon-low deformation resistance regions of the metal body which sandwichthe low deformation resistance region has a position thereof fluctuatedrelative to another non-low deformation resistance region is fluctuatedthus deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing. Due tosuch a constitution, it is possible to turn the metal structure of theportion of the low deformation resistance region which is locally formedinto the finer grain structure and hence, the metal body which possessesthe high strength and the high ductility can be easily formed.

According to the invention described in claim 37, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 36, the fluctuation of theposition is a vibratory motion having vibratory motion components whichallow the vibratory motion of one non-low deformation resistance regionrelative to another non-low deformation resistance region in thedirection substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of themetal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to extremelyeasily generate the deformation by shearing in the low deformationresistance region.

According to the invention described in claim 38, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 36, the fluctuation of theposition is a one-way rotational motion which allows the rotation of onenon-low deformation resistance region relative to another non-lowdeformation resistance region about a rotary axis which is arrangedsubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. Dueto such a constitution, it is possible to extremely easily generate thedeformation by shearing in the low deformation resistance region.

According to the invention described in claim 39, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 36, the fluctuation of theposition is a both-way rotational motion which allows the rotation ofone non-low deformation resistance region relative to another non-lowdeformation resistance region about a rotary axis which is arrangedsubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body. Dueto such a constitution, it is possible to extremely easily generate thedeformation by shearing in the low deformation resistance region.

According to the invention described in claim 40, a metal body in aheated state which is extended in one direction is moved along theextending direction, the metal body is cooled by allowing the metal bodyto pass through cooling means, and the cooled metal body is subjected toa vibratory motion thus turning the metal structure in the metal bodyinto the finer grain structure by deforming the metal structure byshearing before the metal body is allowed to pass through the coolingmeans. Due to such a constitution, in the course of the manufacturingstep of the metal body such as hot rolling or the like, it is possibleto turn the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grainstructure and hence, it is possible to produce the highly value-addedmetal body without increasing a manufacturing cost.

According to the invention described in claim 41, in performing solutionheat treatment by quenching a metal body which is heated up to atemperature for performing the solution heat treatment using coolingmeans, the metal body at a quenched portion is deformed by shearing thusturning the metal structure into finer metal structure and, at the sametime, the solution heat treatment is performed. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to manufacture the metal body which issubjected to the solution heat treatment in a state that the metalstructure is turned into the finer grain structure and hence, it ispossible to manufacture the metal body which possesses the high strengthand the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 42, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 41, the deformation of themetal body by shearing is performed by imparting a vibratory motionwhich includes vibratory motion components which generate the vibratorymotion in the direction substantially orthogonal to the extendingdirection of the metal body which is extended in one direction. Due tosuch constitution, it is possible to extremely easily deform the metalbody by shearing.

According to the invention described in claim 43, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 41, the deformation of themetal body by shearing is performed by imparting a one-way rotationalmotion which generates the rotation about a rotational axissubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal bodywhich is extended in one direction to the metal body. Due to suchconstitution, it is possible to extremely easily deform the metal bodyby shearing.

According to the invention described in claim 44, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 41, the deformation of themetal body by shearing is performed by imparting a both-way rotationalmotion which generates the rotation about a rotational axissubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal bodywhich is extended in one direction to the metal body. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to extremely easily deform the metal bodyby shearing.

According to the invention described in claim 45, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 41 to 44, themetal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grainstructure is formed into a given shape by performing plastic formingunder a condition which prevents the metal structure from being turnedinto the coarse grain structure. Due to such a constitution, the metalstructure is turned into to the finer grain structure and hence, it ispossible to provide the metal body which possesses the high strength andthe high ductility and also has a desired shape.

According to the invention described in claim 46, a first lowdeformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistanceregion which traverses the metal body are formed in a spaced-apartmanner by a given distance by locally lowering the deformationresistance of the metal body which extends in one direction, a non-lowdeformation resistance region which increases the deformation resistancelarger than the deformation resistance of the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance region isformed between the first low deformation resistance region and thesecond low deformation resistance region using non-low deformationresistance region forming means, and a vibratory motion includingvibratory motion components in the direction orthogonal to the extendingdirection of the metal body is imparted to the non-low deformationresistance region thus deforming the first low deformation resistanceregion and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing. Dueto such a constitution, it is possible to easily impart the vibratorymotion to the non-low deformation resistance region and, at the sametime, it is possible to easily introduce the method for processing ametal body of the present invention to manufacturing steps of a metalbody in general by defining a region to which the vibratory motion isimparted to a local area.

According to the invention described in claim 47, in a method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure in which a first low deformationresistance region and a second low deformation resistance region whichtraverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart manner by a givendistance by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metalbody which extends in one direction, a non-low deformation resistanceregion which increases the deformation resistance larger than thedeformation resistance of the first low deformation resistance regionand the second low deformation resistance region is formed between thefirst low deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region using non-low deformation resistance region formingmeans, and a one-way rotational motion about a rotary axis substantiallyparallel to the extending direction of the metal body is imparted to thenon-low deformation resistance region thus deforming the first lowdeformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistanceregion by shearing whereby the metal structure of the metal body isturned into the finer grain structure. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to easily impart the one-way rotational motion to the non-lowdeformation resistance region and, at the same time, it is possible toeasily introduce the method for processing a metal body of the presentinvention to manufacturing steps of a metal body in general by defininga region to which the vibratory motion is imparted to a local area.

According to the invention described in claim 48, a first lowdeformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistanceregion which traverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart mannerby a given distance by locally lowering the deformation resistance ofthe metal body which extends in one direction, a non-low deformationresistance region which increases the deformation resistance larger thanthe deformation resistance of the first low deformation resistanceregion and the second low deformation resistance region is formedbetween the first low deformation resistance region and the second lowdeformation resistance region using non-low deformation resistanceregion forming means, and a both-way rotational motion about a rotaryaxis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal bodyis imparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deformingthe first low deformation resistance region and the second lowdeformation resistance region by shearing. Due to such a constitution,it is possible to easily impart the both-way rotational motion to thenon-low deformation resistance region and, at the same time, it ispossible to easily-introduce the method for processing a metal body ofthe present invention to manufacturing steps of a metal body in generalby defining a region to which the vibratory motion is imparted to alocal area.

According to the invention described in claim 49, in the method forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 46 to 48, themetal body is moved along the extending direction. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to increase the productivity of the metalbody which possesses the high strength and the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 50, there is provided anapparatus for processing a metal body which includes low deformationresistance region forming means which forms a low deformation resistanceregion which traverses the metal body by locally lowering thedeformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction;non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms non-lowdeformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistancewhich is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, anddisplacement applying means which displaces one side of the metal bodywhich sandwiches the low deformation resistance region with another sideof the metal body relative to another side of the metal body, whereinthe apparatus turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finergrain structure by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing along with the displacement applied by the displacementapplying means. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to provide aforming apparatus which can easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and can manufacture the metal body which possessesthe high strength or the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 51, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, the displacement applyingmeans applies a vibratory motion including vibratory motion componentsin the direction which intersects the extending direction of the metalbody to the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possible toprovide the forming apparatus which can easily turn the metal structureinto the finer grain structure and can manufacture the metal body whichpossesses the high strength or the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 52, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, the displacement applyingmeans applies a one-way rotational motion including about a one-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body to the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possibleto provide the forming apparatus which can easily turn the metalstructure into the finer grain structure and can manufacture the metalbody which possesses the high strength or the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 53, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, the displacement applyingmeans applies a both-way rotational motion including about a both-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to provide theforming apparatus which can easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and can manufacture the metal body which possessesthe high strength or the high ductility to the metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 54, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 53, the lowdeformation resistance region forming means is heating means which heatsthe metal body to a given temperature or more. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which caneasily turn the metal structure into the finer grain structure and canmanufacture the metal body which possesses the high strength or the highductility at a low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 55, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 54, thenon-low deformation resistance region forming means is cooling meanswhich cools the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possibleto provide the forming apparatus which can easily turn the metalstructure into the finer grain structure and can manufacture the metalbody which possesses the high strength or the high ductility at a lowcost.

According to the invention described in claim 56, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 55, theapparatus includes supply means which supplies the metal body along theextending direction. Due to such a constitution, it is possible toprovide the forming apparatus which can easily turn the metal structureinto the finer grain structure and can continuously manufacture themetal body which possesses the high strength or the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 57, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 56, the low deformationresistance region forming means includes preheating means which heatsthe metal body to a second heating temperature after heating the metalbody to a first heating temperature and holding the first heatingtemperature for a given time. Due to such a constitution, it is possibleto provide the forming apparatus which can make the heating state of thelow deformation resistance region uniform in the formation of the lowdeformation resistance region by heating and can easily turn the metalstructure into finer homogeneous structure.

According to the invention described in claim 58, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 57, the first heatingtemperature is a temperature which is necessary for solution heattreatment of the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possibleto turn the metal structure into the finer grain structure whileperforming the solution heat treatment and hence, it is possible toprovide the forming apparatus which can manufacture the metal body whichpossesses the high strength and the high ductility and is also subjectedto the solution heat treatment.

According to the invention described in claim 59, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 56 to 58, theapparatus includes aging treatment means which performs the agingtreatment of the metal body whose metal structure is turned into thefiner grain structure by holding the metal body at a temperature whichprevents the metal structure from becoming coarser. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which canmanufacture the metal body which can further enhance the strength of themetal body which possesses the high strength and the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 60, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 56 to 59, aforming guide body which forms the metal body in a given shape isbrought into contact with the low deformation resistance region. Due tosuch a constitution, it is possible to form the metal body into adesired shape using the forming guide body and hence, it is possible toprovide the forming apparatus which can manufacture the metal body whichpossesses the high strength and the high ductility and has the desiredshape.

According to the invention described in claim 61, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 60, the forming guide body isheating means which heats the metal body. Due to such a constitution, itis possible to provide the forming apparatus which can locally heat acontact portion of the metal body which is brought into contact with theforming guide body and can easily form the low deformation resistanceregion.

According to the invention described in claim 62, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 60, the forming guide body iscooling means which cools the metal body. Due to such a constitution, itis possible to provide the forming apparatus which can locally cool acontact portion of the metal body which is brought into contact with theforming guide body and can efficiently cool the low deformationresistance region after the deformation by shearing thus enhancing themanufacturing efficiency.

According to the invention described in claim 63, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 56 to 59, themetal body is a cylindrical body having a hollow portion, and theapparatus includes flattening means which cuts the metal body whosemetal structure is turned into the finer grain structure along theextending direction of the metal body so as to form the planar metalbody. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture a planar metal body which can turn themetal structure into the finer grain structure.

According to the invention described in claim 64, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 59, the lowdeformation resistance region forming means forms the low deformationresistance region in a vacuum. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to provide the forming apparatus which can prevent theformation of a reaction film with a gaseous component on a surface ofthe low deformation resistance region which is deformed by shearing.

According to the invention described in claim 65, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 59, the lowdeformation resistance region forming means forms the low deformationresistance region in a high pressure atmosphere. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which canenhance the efficiency to turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure due to an action to the low deformation resistance regionattributed to the high pressure.

According to the invention described in claim 66, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 59, the lowdeformation resistance region forming means forms the low deformationresistance region in an active gas atmosphere. Due to such aconstitution, the metal structure of the metal body can be turned intothe finer grain structure and, at the same time, a reaction region withthe active gas can be formed on a surface of the low deformationresistance region and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 67, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 66, the active gas isnitrogen gas. Due to such a constitution, the metal structure of themetal body can be turned into the finer grain structure and, at the sametime, the low deformation resistance region can be nitrided and hence,it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which can form thehighly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 68, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 66, the active gas is methanegas and/or carbon monoxide. Due to such a constitution, the metalstructure of the metal body can be turned into the finer grain structureand, at the same time, the low deformation resistance region can becarburized and hence, it is possible to provide the forming apparatuswhich can form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 69, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 56, lowdeformation resistance region forming means includes powdery materialspraying means which sprays a powdery material to the low deformationresistance region. Due to such a constitution, the metal structure ofthe metal body can be turned into the finer grain structure and, at thesame time, the powdery material can be mechanically mixed into the lowdeformation resistance region and hence, it is possible to provide theforming apparatus which can form the highly functionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 70, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 56, lowdeformation resistance region forming means includes ion doping meanswhich dopes ions to the low deformation resistance region. Due to such aconstitution, the metal structure of the metal body can be turned intothe finer grain structure and, at the same time, the ionized particlescan be mixed into the low deformation resistance region and hence, it ispossible to provide the forming apparatus which can form the highlyfunctionalized metal body.

According to the invention described in claim 71, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 50 to 56, 71, thelow deformation resistance region forming means forms the lowdeformation resistance region by heating the metal body which isimmersed in the liquid at a given temperature or more. Due to such aconstitution, the irregularities of conditions for forming the lowdeformation resistance region can be suppressed and hence, it ispossible to provide the forming apparatus which can turn the metalstructure into finer homogeneous structure.

According to the invention described in claim 72, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 71, in forming the lowdeformation resistance region, the heat conductivity of a periphery ofthe low deformation resistance region is lowered. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which canefficiently heat the metal body in the liquid.

According to the invention described in claim 73, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 71, in forming the lowdeformation resistance region, bubbles are formed in a periphery of thelow deformation resistance region. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to provide the forming apparatus which can efficiently heat themetal body in the liquid.

According to the invention described in claim 74, there is provided anapparatus for processing a metal body which includes moving means whichmoves a metal body which extends in one direction along the extendingdirection; heating means which heats the metal body to a temperature forperforming the solution heat treatment; cooling means which quenches themetal body heated by the heating means; and shearing deformation meanswhich deforms a portion of the metal body which is cooled by the coolingmeans by shearing. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to turnthe metal structure into the finer grain structure while performing thesolution heat treatment and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture the metal body which possesses the highstrength and the high ductility and, at the same time, is subjected tothe solution heat treatment.

According to the invention described in claim 75, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 74, the shearing deformationmeans applies a vibratory motion which includes vibratory motioncomponents which perform the vibratory motion in the directionsubstantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body tothe metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to turn themetal structure into the finer grain structure while performing thesolution heat treatment of the metal body and hence, it is possible toprovide the forming apparatus which can manufacture the metal body whichpossesses the high strength and the high ductility and, at the sametime, is subjected to the solution heat treatment.

According to the invention described in claim 76, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 74, the shearing deformationmeans applies a one-way rotational motion which rotates the metal bodyabout a one-way rotating axis substantially parallel to the extendingdirection of the metal body to the metal body. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to turn the metal structure into the finergrain structure while performing the solution heat treatment and hence,it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which can manufacturethe metal body which possesses the high strength and the high ductilityand, at the same time, is subjected to the solution heat treatment.

According to the invention described in claim 77, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 74, the shearing deformationmeans applies a both-way rotational motion which rotates the metal bodyabout a both-way rotating axis substantially parallel to the extendingdirection of the metal body to the metal body. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to turn the metal structure into the finergrain structure while performing the solution heat treatment and hence,it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which can manufacturethe metal body which possesses the high strength and the high ductilityand, at the same time, is subjected to the solution heat treatment.

According to the invention described in claim 78, there is provided anapparatus for processing a metal body which includes moving means whichmoves the metal body in a heated state extending in one direction alongthe extending direction; cooling means which forms a non-low deformationresistance region by increasing the deformation resistance by coolingthe metal body; and vibratory motion applying means which applies avibratory motion to the non-low deformation resistance region, whereinthe metal structure in the metal body before being supplied to thecooling means is turned into the finer grain structure by thedeformation by shearing due to the vibratory motion applied by thevibratory motion applying means. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to easily turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure and hence, it is possible to provide the forming apparatuswhich can manufacture the metal body which possesses the high strengthand the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 79, there is provided anapparatus for processing a metal body which includes first lowdeformation resistance region forming means which forms a first lowdeformation resistance region which traverses the metal body by locallylowering the deformation resistance of the metal body which extends inone direction; second low deformation resistance region forming meanswhich forms a second low deformation resistance region which traversesthe metal body by locally lowering the deformation resistance of themetal body at a position spaced apart from the first low deformationresistance region by a given distance; non-low deformation resistanceregion forming means which forms non-low deformation resistance regionby increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the firstlow deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region between the first low deformation resistance regionand the second low deformation resistance region, and displacementapplying means which applies the displacement for deforming the firstlow deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region by shearing to the non-low deformation resistanceregion, wherein the apparatus turns the metal structure of the first lowdeformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistanceregion into the finer grain structure. Due to such a constitution, it ispossible to easily turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure and hence, it is possible to provide the forming apparatuswhich can manufacture the metal body which possesses the high strengthand the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 80, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 79, the displacement applyingmeans applies a vibratory motion including vibratory motion componentsin the direction which intersects the extending direction of the metalbody to the non-low deformation resistance region. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture the metal body which possesses the highstrength and the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 81, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 79, the displacement applyingmeans applies a one-way rotational motion including about a one-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body to the non-low deformation resistance region. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture the metal body which possesses the highstrength and the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 82, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 79, the displacement applyingmeans applies a both-way rotational motion including about a both-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body to the non-low deformation resistance region. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture the metal body which possesses the highstrength and the high ductility.

According to the invention described in claim 83, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 79 to 82, thefirst low deformation resistance region forming means and the second lowdeformation resistance region forming means are heating means whichheats the metal body to a given temperature or more. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to easily turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure and hence, it is possible to provide the formingapparatus which can manufacture the metal body which possesses the highstrength and the high ductility at a low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 84, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 79 to 82, thenon-low deformation resistance region forming means is cooling meanswhich cools the metal body. Due to such a constitution, it is possibleto easily turn the metal structure into the finer grain structure andhence, it is possible to provide the forming apparatus which canmanufacture the metal body which possesses the high strength and thehigh ductility at a low cost.

According to the invention described in claim 85, in the apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to any one of claims 79 to 84, theapparatus includes supply means which supplies the metal body along theextending direction. Due to such a constitution, it is possible toeasily and continuously turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure and hence, it is possible to provide the forming apparatuswhich exhibits high productivity of the metal body which possesses thehigh strength and the high ductility.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a metal body;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a metal body;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a metal body;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a metal body;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to a lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of sharing deformation applied to the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a heating profile for the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the heating profile for the lowdeformation resistance region;

FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view of an STSP apparatus of a firstembodiment;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of another embodiment in a cooling methodof the metal body;

FIG. 15 is an electron microscope photograph of the metal structurebefore processing by the STSP apparatus;

FIG. 16 is an electron microscope photograph of the metal structureafter processing by the STSP apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a graph showing changes of properties when the metalstructure is turned into the finer grain structure with respect to S45C;

FIG. 18 is a graph showing changes of properties when the metalstructure is turned into the finer grain structure with respect toJIS-A5056;

FIG. 19 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification in the STSPapparatus;

FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification in the STSPapparatus;

FIG. 21 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification in the STSPapparatus;

FIG. 22 is a schematic explanatory view of an STSP apparatus of a secondembodiment;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view with a part broken away of FIG. 2;

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view of an arrangement mode of guide rollersmounted on a first rotation support body;

FIG. 25 is a schematic explanatory view of an STSP apparatus of a thirdembodiment;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of an essential part in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the essential part in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a schematic explanatory view of the SVSP apparatus;

FIG. 29 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification in the SVSPapparatus;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the metal body;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view of a body frame socket;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view of the body frame socket; and

FIG. 33 is a reference view for explaining an ECAP method.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A method for processing a metal body and an apparatus for processing ametal body of the present invention can produce a metal body whichacquires the high strength or the high ductility and, particularly, themethod and the apparatus can allow the metal body to obtain the highstrength or the high ductility by turning the metal structure containedin the metal body into the finer grain structure.

Particularly, to turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure, according to the present invention, a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered isformed in the metal body and a strong strain is applied to the lowdeformation resistance region by deforming the low deformationresistance region by sharing thus turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure.

Further, by locally forming the low deformation resistance region, asharing stress generated by the sharing deformation applied for turningthe metal structure into the finer grain structure concentrically actson the low deformation resistance region and hence, the strong strain isefficiently generated thus turning the metal structure into the finergrain structure.

Further, with respect to the metal body such as a magnesium alloy or thelike, it is expected that the crystal orientation can be adjusted.

Particularly, for locally forming the low deformation resistance region,a non-low deformation resistance region which increases the deformationresistance is formed along the low deformation resistance region. Byproviding non-low deformation resistance region generating means whichgenerates the non-low deformation resistance region along the lowdeformation resistance region, it is possible to suppress the diffusionof the sharing deformation applied to the low deformation resistanceregion to the outside of the low deformation resistance region andhence, it is possible to efficiently generate the sharing stress in thelow deformation resistance region.

To be more specific, it is sufficient that the non-low deformationresistance region generating means is cooling means which cools themetal body and such cooling means can easily adjust the deformationresistance of the metal body.

For example, in hot rolling steps of the metal body, it is possible tocool the metal body in a heated state by allowing the metal body to passthrough a cooling device, the non-low deformation resistance regionwhere the deformation resistance is increased due to such cooling isformed, and the non-low deformation resistance region which constitutesa region after the metal body passes through the cooling device issubjected to a vibratory motion and hence, the region which has not yetpassed through the cooling device is deformed by sharing thus easilyturning the metal structure into the finer grain structure whereby it ispossible to produce the metal body which obtains the high strength orthe high ductility.

Here, the above-mentioned low deformation resistance region is a regionwhere the deformation resistance is lowered by heating the metal bodyand is a region where the deformation is liable to be easily generatedalong with the application of an external force compared to regionsother than the low deformation resistance region.

On the other hand, the non-low deformation resistance region is a regionwhere the deformation resistance is larger than the deformationresistance in the low deformation resistance region, and regions otherthan the low deformation resistance region are basically non-lowdeformation resistance region.

The low deformation resistance region is formed by other methods besidesheating. For example, the non-low deformation resistance region isformed by mounting a constraining body which constrains the metal bodyon a periphery of the metal body heated at a desired temperature, andthe non-constraining regions on which the constraining body is notmounted may constitutes the low deformation resistance region.

To be more specific, there may be a case in which the constraining bodyis brought into contact with the periphery of the metal body in a hightemperature state in hot rolling steps of a cast metal body or the like.

Alternatively, in coagulating the metal body in a liquid state andforming the metal body in a desired shape using the constraining body,non-constraining regions are partially formed and the sharingdeformation is applied to the non-constraining region as a lowdeformation resistance region.

In this manner, by bringing the constraining body into contact with themetal body which is wholly held in the low deformation resistance stateby being heated to a given temperature or more thus constraining themetal body, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed and, atthe same time, by adopting the non-constraining region which is notbrought into contact with a constraining body as the low deformationresistance region, it is possible to turn the metal structure of themetal body which is in a heated state during the manufacturing steps ofthe metal body in casting or the like into the finer grain structure andhence, it is possible to manufacture the metal body which obtains thefiner metal structure without increasing the manufacturing steps.

The term “metal body” in the present invention is not limited to asingle metal which is formed of one kind of metal element or an alloywhich is formed of two or more kinds of metal elements and may beconstituted of an intermetallic compound which is formed of one kind ora plural kinds of metal elements and one or a plural kinds of non-metalelements. Further, unless otherwise specified, the metal body alsoincludes an intermetallic compound such as a ceramic body which containsmetal.

Here, the metal body is not always required to have the uniformcomposition. As shown in FIG. 1 which is a cross-sectional schematicview of the metal body, the metal body may be formed of a stacked body10 which is constituted by stacking a second metal layer 12 on a firstmetal layer 11 and, further, a third metal layer 13 on the second metallayer 12. Here, the first metal layer 11, the second metal layer 12 andthe third metal layer 13 are respectively formed of a desired metal, analloy or an intermetallic compound. The first metal layer 11, the secondmetal layer 12 and the third metal layer 13 may be simply overlapped toeach other to form the stacked body 10 or may be stacked using plating,vapor deposition treatment or compression bonding treatment or the like.Here, the stacked body 10 is not limited to three layers and the stackedbody 10 may be constituted by overlapping a suitable number of metallayers.

Further, the metal body may be, as shown in FIG. 2 which is across-sectional schematic view of the metal body, a pre-baked(calcinated) body 16 which is formed by pre-baking a mixed body in whicha first metal powdery material 14 and a second metal powdery material 15are mixed in a given shape. Here, besides the pre-baked body 16 which isformed of two kinds of powdery materials constituted of the first metalpowdery material 14 and the second metal powdery material 15, thepre-baked body 16 may be formed by mixing a further larger number ofpowdery materials. Further, the pre-baked material 16 may be formed bymixing non-metal powdery materials besides metal powdery materials.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3 which is a cross-sectional schematic view ofthe metal body, the metal body may be a filled body 19 which is formedby filling a metal powdery material 18 into hole portions of a porousbody 17 formed in a given shape. Here, in the porous body 17, not onlythe metal powdery material 18, a non-metal powdery material may befilled.

Further, the metal body may be, as shown in FIG. 4 which is across-sectional schematic view of the metal body, formed of a metal wirebundle 23 which is formed by bundling a plurality of first metal wires21 and a plurality of second metal wires 22. Here, besides theconstitution of the metal wire bundle 23 which is formed by bundling twokinds of metal wires constituting of the first metal wires 21 and thesecond metal wires 22, the metal wire bundle 23 may be formed bybundling a multiple kinds of metal wires.

In this manner, the metal body can adopt various modes and so long asthe metal structure can obtain the finer grain structure by shearingdeformation as described later, the metal body can adopt any mode.

In FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the metal body has a rectangular cross section,while in FIG. 4, the metal body has a circular cross section. However,the metal body is not limited to a rectangular shape which has therectangular cross section or a rod body having a circular cross sectionand may be formed in a planner body or a cylindrical body having ahollow portion besides these shapes. The metal body may be, for example,an H-steel body, an angle steel body, a channel steel body, a T-steelbody, a lip channel steel body or the like.

Further, the desired treatment such as carburizing treatment, nitridingtreatment or the like may be applied to the metal body preliminarily.Particularly, when the carburizing treatment is applied to the metalbody, as described later, the decarburizing treatment can be performedalong with the shearing deformation of the low deformation resistanceregion formed in the metal body and hence, it is possible to turn themetal structure into the finer grain structure while performing thedecarburizing treatment whereby the more highly functionalized metalbody can be formed.

Here, also with respect to the usual carbon steel or the high carbonsteel, besides the metal body to which the carburizing processing isapplied, the decarburizing treatment can be performed along with theshearing deformation of the low deformation resistance region formed inthe metal body and hence, the more highly functionalized metal body canbe formed.

The metal body has a mode which extends in one direction and, as shownin FIG. 5, by forming the low deformation resistance region 30 in astate that the low deformation resistance region 30 traverses the metalbody, a first non-low deformation resistance region 31 and a secondnon-low deformation resistance region 32 which are partitioned by thelow deformation resistance region 30 are formed in the metal body.

By forming the low deformation resistance region 30 in a state that thelow deformation resistance region 30 traverses the metal body whichextends in one direction, by deforming the low deformation resistanceregion 30 by shearing while moving the low deformation resistance region30 along the extending direction of the metal body, it is possible tocontinuously perform the processing to turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure.

Further more, by adjusting the deformation mode of the shearingdeformation generated in the low deformation resistance region 30 whennecessary, it is possible to make modes of a strong strain applied tothe portion of the low deformation resistance region 30 different fromeach other and hence, it is possible to form regions which differ in thedegree of fines of the metal structure whereby the metal body can obtainmultiple functions.

The shearing deformation of the low deformation resistance region 30 is,as shown in FIG. 5(a), performed by fluctuating the position of thesecond non-low deformation resistance region 32 relative to the firstnon-low deformation resistance region 31 by imparting a vibratory motionwhich vibrates the second non-low deformation resistance region 32 withrespect to the first non-low deformation resistance region 31 in thethickness direction of the metal body.

Alternatively, the vibration direction of the vibratory motion may be,instead of the thickness direction of the metal body, as shown in FIG.5(b), arranged in the widthwise direction of the metal body which isorthogonal to the thickness direction of the metal body. Further, asshown in FIG. 5(c), the vibratory motion may adopt the compositevibration which combines both of the vibration in the thicknessdirection of the metal body and the vibration in the widthwisedirection. When such composite vibration is adopted, it is possible toapply a large shearing stress to the low deformation resistance region.

Here, the vibratory motion is not always a vibratory motion whichgenerates a macroscopic displacement and may be a vibratory motion suchas resonance which generates strain in the metal body.

Further, when the metal body is a round rod body or a cylindrical bodyhaving a hollow portion, as shown in FIG. 6, by rotating a secondnon-low deformation resistance region 32′ with respect to a firstnon-low deformation resistance region 31′ about a rotary axis which isarranged substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metalbody, the position of the second non-low deformation resistance region32′ is fluctuated relative to the first non-low deformation resistanceregion 31′ thus generating the shearing deformation in the lowdeformation resistance region 30′.

Here, the second non-low deformation resistance region 32′ may be alwaysrotated at a fixed angular velocity relative to the first non-lowdeformation resistance region 31′ or the second non-low deformationresistance region 32′ may be rotated in a state that the normal rotationand the reverse rotation thereof are repeated alternately.

Further, the shearing deformation of the low deformation resistanceregion obtained by the rotation about the rotational axis is not limitedto the case in which the metal body is formed of the round rod body orthe cylindrical body having the hollow portion. That is, as shown inFIG. 7, a low deformation resistance region 30″ may be formed in atransverse state on the metal body made of a planner body, and the metalbody may be rotated such that the normal rotation and the reverserotation about a rotational axis which passes through an approximatelycenter of the metal body and extends substantially parallel to the arerepeatedly applied to the second non-low deformation resistance region32′ with respect to the first non-low deformation resistance region 31′in the first non-low deformation resistance region 31″ and the secondnon-low deformation resistance region 32″ which sandwich the lowdeformation resistance region 30″.

A momentum of the relative vibratory motion, the one-way rotationalmotion or the both-way rotational motion of the second non-lowdeformation resistance region 32, 32′, 32″ with respect to the firstnon-low deformation resistance region 31, 31′, 31″ may be a momentum ofa level which can generate the shearing deformation in the lowdeformation resistance region 30, 31′, 32″ so as to turn the metalstructure into the finer grain structure.

In deforming the low deformation resistance region 30, 30′, 30″ byshearing, by performing the compression such that a compression stressis applied to the low deformation resistance region 30, 30′, 30″ in theextending direction of the metal body, it is possible to suppress thegeneration of a large deformation of shape in the low deformationresistance region 30, 30′, 30″ or generation of rupture in the lowdeformation resistance region 30, 30′, 30″ portion.

Particularly, by applying the compression stress to the low deformationresistance region 30, 30′, 30″ in the extending direction of the metalbody, it is possible to apply not only the strain generated by shearingbut also the strain generated by compression to the low deformationresistance region 30, 30′, 30″ and hence, the metal structure can obtainmore finer grain structure.

To the contrary, in deforming the low deformation resistance region 30,30′, 30″ by shearing, by stretching (drawing) the metal body such that atensile stress is applied to the low deformation resistance region 30,30′, 30″ along the extending direction of the metal body, it is possibleto apply not only the strain generated by shearing but also the straingenerated by stretching to the low deformation resistance region 30,30′, 30″ and hence, the metal structure can obtain more finer grainstructure.

By deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing in thismanner, it is possible not only to turn the metal structure in the lowdeformation resistance region into the finer grain structure but also tobond the mutual metal structure in the metal bodies shown in FIG. 1 toFIG. 4 and hence, it is possible to produce a new alloy or ceramics.Particularly, it is possible to mechanically produce an alloy having thecomposition which cannot be produced by a conventional melting method.

As described above, in deforming the low deformation resistance regionby shearing, as shown in FIG. 8, in the metal body which extends in onedirection, a first low deformation resistance region 30 a and a secondlow deformation resistance region 30 b which traverse the metal body areformed in a spaced-apart manner with a given distance therebetween and,a region sandwiched by the first low deformation resistance region 30 aand the second low deformation resistance region 30 b is subjected tothe vibratory motion as an intermediate non-low deformation resistanceregion 33 whereby the first low deformation resistance region 30 a andthe second low deformation resistance region 30 b can be easily deformedby shearing.

Here, in FIG. 8, the metal body has a planar body, wherein theintermediate non-low deformation resistance region 33 is vibrated in thethickness direction of the metal body in FIG. 8(a), while theintermediate non-low deformation resistance region 33 is vibrated in thewidthwise direction of the metal body orthogonal to the thicknessdirection of the metal body in FIG. 8(b). In FIG. 8(c), the intermediatenon-low deformation resistance region 33 is vibrated by the compositevibration which combines both of the vibration in the thicknessdirection of the metal body and the vibration in the widthwise directionof the metal body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, with respect to the intermediate non-lowdeformation resistance region 33 which constitutes a region sandwichedby the first low deformation resistance region 30 a and the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b, at a portion of the intermediatenon-low deformation resistance region 33 in the vicinity of the firstlow deformation resistance region 30 a, a first feeding device 36 whichis constituted of a first upper feeding roller 36 a and a second lowerfeeding roller 36 b which clamp the metal body and feed the metal bodyin the extending direction of the metal body is provided, while at aportion of the intermediate non-low deformation resistance region 33 inthe vicinity of the second low deformation resistance region 30 b, asecond feeding device 37 which is constituted of a second upper feedingroller 37 a and a second lower feeding roller 37 b which clamp the metalbody and feed the metal body in the extending direction of the metalbody is provided. By vertically moving the first feeding device 36 andthe second feeding device 37 with phases opposite to each other, thefirst low deformation resistance region 30 a and the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b may be deformed by shearing.

In this case, the shearing deformation which is expected to be generatedin the first low deformation resistance region 30 a and the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b is microscopically equal to theshearing deformation generated in the above-mentioned vibration modeshown in FIG. 8(a).

When the metal body is a round rod body or a cylindrical body having ahollow portion, as shown in FIG. 10, an intermediate non-low deformationresistance region 33′ which is defined between a first low deformationresistance region 30 a′ and a second low deformation resistance region30 b′ provided in a spaced-apart manner with a given distancetherebetween is rotated about a rotational axis arranged substantiallyparallel to the extending direction of the metal body so as to easilydeform the first low deformation resistance region 30 a′ and the secondlow deformation resistance region 30 b′ by shearing. In FIG. 10, numeral34 indicates rotary rollers which rotates the intermediate non-lowdeformation resistance region 33′.

Further, in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, by allowing the metal body to move alongthe extending direction thereof, it is possible to move the positions ofthe first low deformation resistance region 30 a′ and the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b′ in the metal body.

Accordingly, usually, during the manufacturing steps of the metal bodywhich is continuously formed, by forming the first low deformationresistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and the second low deformation resistanceregion 30 b, 30 b′ in the metal body and by imparting the vibration, theone-way rotation or the both-way rotation to the intermediate non-lowdeformation resistance region 33, 33′, it is possible to easily deformthe metal body by shearing and hence, the metal structure is turned intothe finer grain structure whereby the metal body which obtains the highstrength or the high ductility can be manufactured at a low cost.

Here, with respect to the above-mentioned vibration, the one-wayrotation and the both-way rotation of the intermediate non-lowdeformation resistance region 33, 33′, as other modes of motion, anextension-contraction motion mode which allows the metal body to extendand contract in the extending direction of the metal body and, aboth-way rotation motion mode about a rotational axis in the normaldirection on a plane of the planar metal body in the intermediatenon-low deformation resistance region 33 shown in FIG. 8, for example,are considered. Accordingly, the motions having 6 degrees of freedom intotal can be considered.

However, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, when the metal body includes thefirst low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′, in the extension-contractionmotion mode, it is difficult to apply the sufficient shearing stress tothe first low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and the secondlow deformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ and, in the same manner,also in the both-way rotation motion mode, it is difficult to apply thesufficient shearing stress to the first low deformation resistanceregion 30 a, 30 a′ and the second low deformation resistance region 30b, 30 b′. Accordingly, it is substantially desirable to generate theshearing deformation by making use of the motions of 4 degree offreedom.

However, as shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, when the low deformationresistance region 30, 30′ is formed only one portion in the metal body,it is possible to apply the compression stress and the tensile stress inthe extending direction of the metal body as described above using theextension-contraction motion mode and the both-way rotation motion mode.

The first low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and the secondlow deformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ are usually respectivelyformed by heating the metal body. However, by setting the heatingtemperatures of the first low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′and the second low deformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ differentfrom each other, it is possible to make the shearing stressesrespectively applied to the first low deformation resistance region 30a, 30′ and the second low deformation resistance region 30 b, 30′different from each other and hence, the shearing stresses which differfrom each other can be applied to the metal structure in two stageswhereby the metal structure can obtain the further finer grainstructure.

Further, when the portion of the metal body which is once turned intothe finer grain structure by shearing deformation is further deformed byshearing, since the ductility of the metal body is enhanced, it ispossible to lower the heating temperature of the metal body whereby themetal structure can be turned into the further finer grain structure.

To be more specific, by moving the metal body along the extendingdirection to allow the moving body to pass through a first lowdeformation resistance region forming zone for forming the first lowdeformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and a second low deformationresistance region forming zone for forming the second low deformationresistance region 30 b, 30 b′, when the metal body is a hardlydeformable alloy such as a magnesium alloy or a hardly deformableintermetallic compound, as shown in FIG. 11, the first low deformationresistance region forming zone is set at a high temperature and thesecond low deformation resistance region forming zone is set at a lowtemperature compared with the first low deformation resistance regionforming zone.

Here, the heating temperature of the first low deformation resistanceregion forming zone is a temperature at which the metal body in thefirst low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ is sufficientlysoftened and it is sufficient that the temperature allows the shearingdeformation of the first low deformation resistance region 30 a. Byapplying the shearing stress to the first low deformation resistanceregion 30 a, 30′ at such a temperature, the first low deformationresistance region 30 a, 30 a′ is easily deformed by shearing thusturning the metal structure into uniform structure and, at the sametime, allowing the metal body to have the intermediate fine particleshaving a particle size of 10 to 50 μm, for example whereby thedeformation resistance of the metal body can be reduced.

Further, the heating temperature of the second low deformationresistance region forming zone is set to a temperature at which therecrystallization of the metal structure is generated and allows thedeformation by shearing of the second low deformation resistance region30 b, 30 b′ portion while suppressing the growth of the metal structureof the second low deformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ portionwhereby the metal structure can obtain the further finer grainstructure.

In this manner, in the first low deformation resistance region formingzone, to realize the shearing deformation of the metal body before thelow temperature zone where the recrystallization is generated in thesecond low deformation resistance region forming zone, the metal body isheated to a level that the adjustment of the particle size can beperformed whereby it is possible to easily turn the metal structure intothe finer grain structure even when the metal body is a hardlydeformable alloy or a hardly deformable metallic compound or the likethus allowing the metal body to achieve the high ductility.

Further, when the metal body is a heat treatment type alloy, by makinguse of a phenomenon that the metal body is quenched after heating in thefirst low deformation resistance region forming zone, the heatingtemperature of the metal body in the first low deformation resistanceregion forming zone is set as a temperature which becomes a solutionprocessing condition of the metal body, and by applying a shearingstress to the first low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′ insuch a state, it is possible to place a larger amount of additionelements in solid solution than the composition in a constitutionaldiagram in the first low deformation resistance region 30 a, 30 a′.

Further, the metal body has the metal structure thereof turned into thefiner grain structure while being subjected to the solution heattreatment and hence, it is possible to form the metal body with micrometal structure while being subjected to the solution heat treatment.The metal body with micro metal structure while being subjected to thesolution heat treatment cannot be manufactured due to the growth of themetal structure attributed to the heating during the solution heattreatment in the conventional manufacturing method, such metal body canbe manufactured using the processing method and the processing apparatusof the present invention.

The heating temperature of the second low deformation resistance regionforming zone is set as the temperature at which the recrystallization ofthe metal structure is generated and is used for deforming the secondlow deformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ by shearing whilesuppressing the growth of the metal structure of the second lowdeformation resistance region 30 b, 30 b′ portion thus turning the metalstructure into the finer grain structure.

In this manner, by performing the solution heat treatment of the metalbody in the first low deformation resistance region forming zone, it ispossible to form the metal body whose metal structure is turned intofiner homogeneous structure.

As described above, according to the present invention, by deforming thelow deformation resistance regions such as the first low deformationresistance region 30 a, 30 a′ and the second low deformation resistanceregion 30 b, 30 b′ by shearing, the metal structure of the metal body isturned into the finer grain structure. With respect to an action whichturns the metal structure into the finer grain structure, it isconsidered that the crystal grains in the metal body which is madeeasily deformable by heating or the like receive shearing by shearingdeformation and are turned into finer crystal grains.

Particularly, at both end portions of the low deformation resistanceregion, it is difficult to deform the crystal grains of the metal bodydue to cooling or the like described later and hence, the deformationresistance is increased. Accordingly, it is considered that the shearingstress which is generated along with the shearing deformation largelyacts on a boundary between the high deformation resistance region whichexhibits the high deformation resistance and the low deformationresistance region and hence, the turning of the metal structure into thefiner grain structure is particularly accelerated in the boundaryportion between the high deformation resistance region and the lowdeformation resistance region.

Accordingly, when the metal body is moved along the extending directionso as to allow the metal body to pass through the first low deformationresistance region forming zone and the second low deformation resistanceregion forming zone, in respective regions, a temperature control whichis performed when the metal body assumes the high deformation resistanceregion from the low deformation resistance region becomes more importantthan a temperature control which is performed when the metal bodyassumes the low deformation resistance region from the high deformationresistance region.

That is, when the metal body assumes the low deformation resistanceregion from the high deformation resistance region, the degree offreedom of the temperature control is high and hence, as shown in FIG.12, in forming the low deformation resistance region by heating themetal body, a preheating region may be provided and the metal body maybe preheated in and, thereafter, the metal body may be heated to a giventemperature by main heating.

Particularly, as shown in FIG. 12, by providing the preheating regionbefore the first low deformation resistance region forming zone and bypreheating the metal body, the first low deformation resistance region30 a, 30 a′ which is heated in a relatively high-temperature state canbe heated relatively approximately uniformly in a short time.Accordingly, by deforming the first low deformation resistance region 30a, 30 a′ which is heated approximately uniformly by shearing, it ispossible to turn the metal structure of the first low deformationresistance region 30 a, 30 a′ into finer homogeneous structure.

Further, when the solution heat treatment temperature is adopted as theheating condition of the first low deformation resistance region formingzone, by setting the temperature of the preheating in the preheatingregion to the solution heat treatment temperature, it is possible toperform the heating for a treatment time sufficient for performing thesolution heat treatment and hence, the metal body which is surelysubjected to the solution heat treatment can be deformed by shearing inthe second low deformation resistance region forming zone.

Particularly, when the metal body is subjected to a plurality ofsolution heat treatment temperature or is subjected to a plurality oftransformation temperature, the metal body may be held for given timesat respective given temperatures and, thereafter, the main heating maybe performed so as to deform the low deformation resistance region byshearing.

Further, also when the metal body is cooled, the metal body may becooled gradually thus applying desired shearing stresses to the lowdeformation resistance region at respective cooling states.

Besides the above-mentioned case in which the shearing deformation isapplied to the metal body in two stages, a plurality of intermediatenon-low deformation resistance regions 33, 33′ may be provided along theextending direction of the metal body. Further, the intermediate non-lowdeformation resistance regions may be provided in multiple stages.Particularly, when the metal body is a ceramic body which contains metalor the like, it is possible to apply the shearing deformation under thecondition which differs each time the shearing deformation is applied tothe metal body thus achieving the further homogenization of the metalstructure.

Hereinafter, the processing apparatus of the first embodiment isexplained.

FIG. 13 shows an apparatus which generates the shearing deformation ofthe metal body by twisting the low deformation resistance region formedin the metal body due to the one-way rotational motion or the both-wayrotational motion. The method which turns the metal structure into thefiner grain structure by generating the shear deforming of the lowdeformation resistance region by twisting the low deformation resistanceregion is referred to as a STSP (Severe Torsion Straining Process) bythe inventors of the present invention and FIG. 13 is a schematicexplanatory view of one example of a STSP apparatus. Here, forfacilitating the explanation of the invention, although the metal bodyM2 is formed of a round rod body having a circular cross section whichextends in one direction, the metal body M2 may be formed of acylindrical body having a hollow portion.

The STSP apparatus includes a fixing portion 61, a shearing deformationportion 62, and a rotating portion 63 which are mounted on an uppersurface of a base 60 along the extending direction of the metal body M2.

The fixing portion 61 is constituted of a first fixing wall 61 a and asecond fixing wall 61 b which are mounted on an upper surface of thebase 60 in an erected manner. The first fixing wall 61 a and the secondfixing wall 61 b are respectively formed of plate bodies having giventhicknesses, while the first fixing wall 61 a and the second fixing wall61 b are arranged in substantially parallel to each other.

Further, insertion holes which allow the metal body M2 to passtherethrough respectively are formed in the first fixing wall 61 a andthe second fixing wall 61 b, and the metal body M2 is allowed to passthrough the insertion holes. By bringing distal end portions of fixingbolts 61 c, 61 d which are threadedly mounted on upper ends of the firstfixing wall 61 a and the second fixing wall 61 b into contact with aperipheral surface of the metal body M2 which is allowed to pass throughthe insertion hole, the metal body M2 is fixed.

Here, the fixing portion 61 is not limited to the constitution which isformed of the first fixing wall 61 a and the second fixing wall 61 b andmay adopt any constitution provided that the constitution can fix themetal body M2. Here, to fix the metal body M2 means the fixing ofrotation of the metal body M2 which uses a center axis of the metal bodyM2 formed in a round rod shape as a rotational axis.

The rotating portion 63 includes a first restricting wall 63 a and asecond restricting wall 63 b which are mounted on an upper surface ofthe base 60 in an erected manner, a reciprocation restricting body 63 cwhich is interposed between the first restricting wall 63 a and thesecond restricting wall 63 b, and a rotating device not shown in thedrawing.

The first restricting wall 63 a and the second restricting wall 63 b arerespectively formed of plate bodies having given thicknesses, while thefirst restricting wall 63 a and the second restricting wall 63 b arearranged substantially parallel to each other. Further, the insertionholes which allow the metal body M2 to pass therethrough respectivelyare formed in the first restricting wall 63 a and the second restrictingwall 63 b, and the metal body M2 is allowed to pass through theinsertion holes.

The reciprocation restricting body 63 c is formed of a cylindrical bodywhich has a length substantially equal to a distance size between thefirst restricting wall 63 a and the second restricting wall 63 b and canbe annularly mounted on the metal body M2. The reciprocation restrictingbody 63 c is annularly mounted on the metal body M2 between the firstrestricting wall 63 a and the second restricting wall 63 b and, further,brings distal end portions of fixing bolts 63 d, 63 d which arethreadedly mounted on a peripheral surface of the reciprocationrestricting body 63 c into contact with a peripheral surface of themetal body M2 which penetrates the reciprocation restricting body 63 cthus fixing the reciprocation restricting body 63 c to the metal bodyM2.

Accordingly, when the non-low deformation resistance region of the metalbody M2 is rotated as described later, the reciprocation restrictingbody 63 c is restricted by the first restricting wall 63 a and thesecond restricting wall 63 b thus preventing the displacement of themetal body M2 in the extending direction.

Various devices can be used as the rotating device which rotates thenon-low deformation resistance region of the metal body M2 and anydevice can be used provided that the device can rotate the metal body M2in one direction or in both directions while applying a given torque tothe metal body M2 on the rotating portion 63 side. In this embodiment, arotary motor (not shown in the drawing) is interlockingly connected toan end portion of the metal body M2 on the rotating portion 63 side andthis rotary motor constitutes the rotating device.

The shearing deformation portion 62 is formed of a heating device 64which heats the metal body M2 to a given temperature and a coolingdevice 65 which cools the metal body M2 to allow the low deformationresistance region 30′ which is formed in the metal body M2 by heatingusing the heating device 64 to obtain a given width size.

In this embodiment, a high-frequency heating coil is used as the heatingdevice 64, wherein the heating device 64 is formed by winding thehigh-frequency heating coil given turns around the metal body M2 andheats the metal body M2 to the given temperature to reduce thedeformation resistance thus forming the low deformation resistanceregion 30′. Here, the heating device 64 is not limited to thehigh-frequency heating coil and may adopt heating which uses electronbeams, plasma, laser, electromagnetic induction or the like, heating bya gas burner, or heating using electric short-circuiting. Particularly,when the electron beams are used as the heating device 64, a width ofthe low deformation resistance region 30′ in the extending direction ofthe metal body M2 can be set to an extremely small value and hence, itis possible to apply a larger shearing stress to the low deformationresistance region 30′ whereby the metal structure can be turned into thefurther finer grain structure.

The cooling device 65 is formed of a first water discharge opening 65 band a second water discharge opening 65 c which discharge water suppliedfrom a water supply pipe 65 a and the metal body M2 is cooled by waterdischarged from the first water discharge opening 65 b and the secondwater discharge opening 65 c. In FIG. 10, numeral 66 indicates a waterreceptacle which receives water discharged from the first waterdischarge opening 65 b and the second water discharge opening 65 c, andnumeral 67 indicates a water discharge pipe which is connected to thewater receptacle 66.

In this embodiment, the first water discharge opening 65 b and thesecond water discharge opening 65 c are configured to eject waterdownwardly from above the metal body M1. However, as shown in FIG. 14,for example, a plurality of water discharging openings 68 may be formedin a periphery of the metal body M1 and water may be ejected toward themetal body M1 from the plurality of water discharge openings 68.

In this case, water is ejected from the respective water dischargeopenings 68 at a given incident angle θ with respect to the normaldirection of the surface of the metal body M1 and hence, coolingefficiency is further enhanced. Accordingly, the temperature gradient ofthe metal body M1 can be increased at both ends of the low deformationresistance region 30′ and hence, a large shearing stress can be appliedto the metal body M1 whereby it is expected that the efficiency inturning the metal structure into the finer grain structure is enhanced.

Particularly, it is possible to efficiently scatter bubbles which aregenerated on the surface to be cooled along with cooling and hence, thelowering of the cooling efficiency due to the generation of the bubblesis suppressed whereby the cooling efficiency can be enhanced.

Further, in the cooling device 65, both sides of the low deformationresistance region 30′ which is formed by the heating device 64 arrangedbetween the first discharge opening 65 b and the second dischargeopening 65 c are cooled by water discharged from the first dischargeopening 65 b and the second discharge opening 65 c. Particularly, byadjusting the mounting position of the first discharge opening 65 b andthe second discharge opening 65 c, the low deformation resistance region30′ is configured to be an extremely minute region compared to thelength of the metal body M2 in the extending direction.

In this manner, by setting the low deformation resistance region 30′ tohave a minute width along the extension direction of the metal body M2,an extremely large shearing deformation can be easily generated on thelow deformation resistance region 30′ portion and hence, it is possibleto enhance the efficiency of turning the metal structure into the finergrain structure. Further, when the low deformation resistance region 30′is twisted by the rotating device, it is possible to prevent thegeneration of twisting irregularities in the low deformation resistanceregion 30′. Still further, it is possible to reduce residual strain ofthe shearing deformation or residual deformation generated in the lowdeformation resistance region 30′ due to twisting.

Further, the low deformation resistance region 30′ which is heated bythe heating device 64 is rapidly cooled by the cooling device 65 wherebyquenching is performed on the low deformation resistance region 30′ andhence, it is also possible to enhance the hardness of the metal body M2having finer metal structure.

Still further, by rapidly cooling the low deformation resistance region30′ , it is possible to prevent the continuous heating state and hence,it is possible to suppress that the metal structure which is once turnedinto the finer grain structure becomes coarse.

The width of the low deformation resistance region 30′ is favorably lessthan approximately three times of the cross section width size of themetal body M2 at a cross section taken along a surface orthogonal to theextending direction of the metal body M2. By imposing such a conditionon the low deformation resistance region 30′, while suppressing thedeformation of the low deformation resistance region 30′ due to twistingto necessary minimum, it is possible to generate a large shearingdeformation and hence, it is possible to enhance the efficiency inturning the metal structure of the metal body M2 into the finer grainstructure.

Although the above-mentioned cooling device 65 is a water coolingdevice, the cooling device 65 is not limited to the water cooing deviceand, provided that the device can cool the metal body M2 in a state thatthe heating region by the heating device 64 is a local region, aircooling may be also used or exciting cooling may be also used and, anarbitrary cooling device may be used.

Particularly, by making use of the water receptacle 66 portion as anarbitrary vacuum chamber and by turning the inner space of the vacuumchamber into a vacuum state which is equal to or less than approximately500 hPa, when the low deformation resistance region 30′ is formed in avacuum, it is possible to prevent the formation of a reaction film of agaseous component on the surface of the low deformation resistanceregion 30′. Accordingly, the processing in post steps can be alleviated.

Further, when the metal body M2 is heated in such a vacuum, an electronbeam heating may be used as the heating device 64 and, further, it ispossible to make use of a self cooling function for cooling the metalbody M2 against the electron beam heating and hence, the low deformationresistance region 30′ can be set to have an extremely minute width sizewhereby it is possible to generate an extremely large shearingdeformation on the low deformation resistance region 30′.

Further, by making use of the formation of the low deformationresistance region 30′ in a vacuum, ion doping of particles made of givenelements may be applied to the low deformation resistance region 30′portion.

In this manner, by applying the ion doping to the low deformationresistance region 30′ , the low deformation resistance region 30′ isturned into to have finer metal structure and, at the same time, sincethe ionized particles are injected into the low deformation resistanceregion 30′, it is possible to form the highly functionalized metal body.Particularly, by injecting the particles while turning the metalstructure into the finer grain structure, the particles can be injectedmore deeply than the usual ion doping and, at the same time, theinjected particles can be sufficiently mixed in the metal body M2.Further, it is possible to eliminate the damage on the metal structuregenerated in the metal body M2 due to the injection of the particles.

Further, instead of performing the ion doping of the given particles, itis also possible to spray a powdery material having a given component onthe low deformation resistance region 30′.

By spraying the powdery material on the low deformation resistanceregion 30′, the metal structure of the metal body M2 is turned into thefiner grain structure and, at the same time, the powdery material can bemechanically mixed into the low deformation resistance region 30′ andhence, it is possible to form the highly functionalized metal body.Particularly, even a metal body having a component which is difficult toform by a conventional casting can be easily formed and, when thepowdery material having a component other than metal is sprayed on thelow deformation resistance region 30′, a novel material can bemanufactured.

Here, when the powdery material having the given component is sprayed onthe low deformation resistance region 30′, it is not always necessary toperform the operation in a vacuum and the operation may be performed inthe normal pressure state.

Instead of forming the low deformation resistance region 30′ in a vacuumin the reduced pressure state as described above, it is also possible toform a pressurizing chamber in the water receptor 66 portion and toturning the pressurizing chamber into a high pressure state wherebyforming the low deformation resistance region 30′.

In this manner, when the low deformation resistance region 30′ is formedin the high pressure state, by making use of the pressurizing functionto the low deformation resistance region 30′ due to the high pressure,it can be expected that the efficiency in turning the metal structureinto the finer grain structure is enhanced.

Particularly, besides applying pressure to the pressurizing chamber bysupplying an inert gas into the pressurizing chamber, it is alsopossible to apply pressure by supplying an active gas.

By forming the low deformation resistance region 30′ in the active gasatmosphere, while turning the metal structure of the metal body M2 intothe finer grain structure, a reaction region with the active gas can beformed on a surface of the low deformation resistance region 30′ andhence, not only a given surface coating is performed by performing asurface reformation on the low deformation resistance region 30′ butalso a strong strain due to the reaction with the active gas can begenerated or the surface coating is performed and hence, it is possibleto form the highly functionalized metal body.

Particularly, when a nitrogen gas is used as the active gas, whileturning the metal structure of the metal body M2 into the finer grainstructure, it is possible to nitride the low deformation resistanceregion 30′ and hence, along with turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure, it is possible to form the highly functionalizedmetal body M2 which has high strength and high ductility and is applieda nitriding treatment can be supplied at a low cost.

Further, when a gas containing carbon such as a methane gas and/or acarbon monoxide gas is/are used as the active gas, while turning themetal structure of the metal body M2 into the finer grain structure, thecarburizing treatment can be applied to the low deformation resistanceregion 30′ and hence, along with turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure, it is possible to supply the highlyfunctionalized metal body M2 which has high strength and high ductilityand is applied a nitriding treatment can be supplied at a low cost.

Here, when the active gas is supplied to the pressurizing chamber, it isnot always necessary to be in the high pressure state and it may besufficient that the inside of the pressurizing chamber is in the activegas atmosphere.

Further, instead of bringing the inert gas or the active gas intocontact with the low deformation resistance region 30′, it is possibleto bring an inert liquid or an active liquid into contact with the lowdeformation resistance region 30′.

That is, the low deformation resistance region 30′ may be formed bydirectly immersing the above-mentioned STSP apparatus in an inert liquidan active liquid.

In this manner, by forming the low deformation resistance region 30′ inthe inert liquid or in the active liquid, the forming condition of thelow deformation resistance region 30′ can be made stable whereby themetal structure can be homogeneously turned into the finer grainstructure.

Particularly, by forming the low deformation resistance region 30′ byheating the metal body M2 in the inert liquid or in the active liquid,it is possible to make use of the inert liquid or the active liquid as acooling agent and hence, the cooling efficiency can be enhanced.

Further, with respect to the portion where the shearing deformation isfinished, it is possible to sequentially perform the quenching bycooling with the inert liquid or the active liquid and hence, it ispossible to form the highly functionalized metal body.

Here, when the low deformation resistance region 30′ is formed byheating the metal body M2 in the inert liquid or in the active liquid,there arises a possibility that heating efficiency at the lowdeformation resistance region 30′ portion is lowered.

Accordingly, when the low deformation resistance region 30′ is formed,by reducing the thermal conductivity in the surrounding of the formingregion of the low deformation resistance region 30′ in the metal bodyM2, it is configured to suppress the diffusion of the heat applied tothe low deformation resistance region 30′ by way of the inert liquid orthe active liquid. Accordingly, the heating of the metal body M2 in theliquid can be efficiently performed.

Specifically, an air nozzle (not shown in the drawing) is positioned inthe vicinity of the low deformation resistance region 30′ to be heatedand, by supplying a gaseous body in a bubble form from the air nozzle, abubble region is generated in the surrounding of the forming region ofthe low deformation resistance region 30′ and hence, a heat insulationlayer made of bubbles is formed whereby the thermal conductivity can bereduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the thermal conductivityextremely easily and hence, it is possible to efficiently perform theheating of the metal body M2 in the liquid.

Particularly, when the gaseous body supplied in the bubble form from theair nozzle is a gas containing carbon such as nitrogen gas, a methanegas and/or a carbon monoxide gas, it is possible to apply a nitridingtreatment or a carburizing treatment to the low deformation resistanceregion 30′.

Further, when the metal body M2 is a hollow cylinder having a hollowportion, by turning the hollow portion into a reduced pressure state, itis possible to perform the shearing deformation on the low deformationresistance region while deforming the metal body in the low deformationresistance region toward the hollow portion by contraction and hence,the metal structure can be further turned into the finer grainstructure.

Alternatively, by setting the hollow portion in a high pressure state asan opposite case, the shearing deformation can be performed whiledeforming the metal body in the low deformation resistance region byexpansion and hence, the metal structure can be further turned into thefiner grain structure.

In this manner, even when the hollow portion is turned into the reducedpressure state or the high pressure state, it is possible to supply theinert gas or the active gas, or the inert liquid or the inactive liquidto the inside of the hollow portion under a given pressure.Particularly, when the hollow portion is turned into the reducedpressure state, it is possible to relatively realize the reducedpressure state by placing the outside of the metal body in thepressurized state.

The STSP apparatus is constituted as described above. When the metalstructure of the metal body M2 is turned into the finer grain structureby twisting the low deformation resistance region 30′ formed in themetal body M2, the metal body M2 is mounted on the STSP apparatus and,while cooling the both sides of the low deformation resistance region30′ by the cooling device 65, the low deformation resistance region 30′is heated by the heating device 64.

Here, the heating using the heating device 64 is performed until thetemperature of the low deformation resistance region 30′ becomes equalto or higher than softening temperature for restoring strain or therecrystallization temperature generated in the metal body M2. When thetemperature becomes equal to or higher than therestoration/recrystallization temperature, the non-low deformationresistance region is rotated about the rotation axis by the rotatingdevice using a center axis of the metal body M2 as a rotation axis andhence, the low deformation resistance region 30′ is twisted.

The rotation of the non-low deformation resistance region using therotating device is set to 1 to 20 rpm. The number of rotation is equalto or more than half rotation and, larger the number of rotation, thelarger the shearing deformation can be generated and hence, it ispossible to enhance the efficiency in turning the metal structure intothe finer grain structure.

Here, the heating temperature of the metal body M2 by the heating device64 is equal to or higher than the restoration/recrystallizationtemperature. However, it is favorable to control the temperature lessthan the temperature in which the influence of the large-sizing of themetal crystal grains starts to be generated.

In this embodiment, it is configured that one end of the metal body M2in which the low deformation resistance region 30′ is formed is fixedand another end thereof is rotated. However, the both sides sandwichingthe low deformation resistance region 30′ may be respectively rotated inan opposite direction.

In this manner, the low deformation resistance region 30′ is twistedand, thereafter, the low deformation resistance region 30′ is cooled. Inthe above-mentioned embodiment, it is not possible to move the metalbody M2 along the extending direction thereof. However, by forming themetal body M2 movable along the extending direction thereof, theposition of the low deformation resistance region 30′ in the metal bodyM2 can be displaced and hence, by sequentially performing the shearingprocessing by twisting on the metal body M2, the metal body M2 havingthe metal structure thereof turned into the finer grain structure over awide range of region can be realized.

Further, instead of allowing the metal body M2 to be movable along theextending direction of the metal body M2, it is possible to form theshearing deformation portion 62 constituted of the heating device 64 andthe cooling device 65 movable along the extending direction of the metalbody M2.

Further, by setting the movement of the metal body M2 in the extendingdirection thereof or the movement of the shearing deformation portion 62along the extending direction of the metal body M2 as the reciprocatingmotion, the shearing processing is repeatedly performed on the regionhaving a given width in the metal body M2 whereby the metal structure isturned into the finer grain structure.

Still further, in some cases, for every low deformation resistanceregion 30′ formed in a given position in the metal body M2, by adjustingthe rotation speed of the metal body M2 using the rotating device,heating condition or cooling condition, the degree of turning of themetal structure into the finer grain structure is adjusted and hence, itis possible to adjust the strength or the ductility of the metal bodyM2. Accordingly, it is possible to form the metal body M2 in which thestrength thereof is partially enhanced or the ductility thereof isenhanced.

FIG. 15 is an electron microscope photography of A15056 which forms analuminum alloy before the treatment by the above-mentioned STSPapparatus and FIG. 16 is an electron microscope photography of A15056treated by the STSP apparatus. It is understood that, by deforming themetal body M2 by shearing, crystal grains of the metal structure oncehaving a size of 60 to 70 μm can be minimized to have a size equal to orless than 5 μm.

Further, the crystal grains are made to have a finer grain structure bycontriving and setting the conditions of heating, cooling. That is, forexample, only extremely narrow region is heated using the electron beamto a very deep portion and the region other than the extremely narrowportion is held in a low temperature by making use of a self cooling andhence, it is possible to allow the boundary portion between the lowdeformation resistance region and the non-low deformation resistanceregion to have a narrow width and to concentrate strong strain to thelow deformation resistance region whereby it is possible to make thecrystal grains to have a finer grain structure with sizes from severaltens nanometers to ten nanometers.

Further, FIG. 17 shows a result of comparison between the metal bodywhich is obtained by processing a S45C which is an iron-based materialusing the above-mentioned STSP apparatus and the metal body which isobtained by applying the annealing treatment based on a heat historyequal to the processing in the STSP apparatus to the S45C with respectto a yield, a tensile strength, a uniform elongation. From the result,it is understood that, by processing the metal body using the STSPapparatus, the yield and the tensile strength can be enhanced withoutincreasing the uniform elongation.

Further, FIG. 18 shows a result of comparison between the metal bodywhich is formed by treating A15056 as aluminum-based material using theabove-mentioned STSP apparatus and the metal body by performing theannealing processing by heat history to the S45C which is similarprocessing in the STSP apparatus with respect to yield, tensilestrength, uniform elongation. From the result, it is understood that, bytreating the metal body using the STSP apparatus, in the same manner inthe case of S45C, the yield and the tensile strength can be enhancedwithout increasing the uniform elongation.

Here, in the above-mentioned STSP apparatus, it is clearly understoodfrom the structure thereof that there arises a possibility that, whenthe non-low deformation resistance region is rotated using the rotatingdevice, sufficient shearing deformation is not generated in the rotationaxis portion of the low deformation resistance region 30′ and hence, aregion where the metal structure is insufficiently turned into the finergrain structure is formed.

Accordingly, in the STSP apparatus of this embodiment, when the lowdeformation resistance region 30′ is formed by heating the meal body M2using the heating device 64, the heating device 64 heats a heatingdistribution with which the rotation axis region is a non-center.

That is, as described in this embodiment, when the heating device 64 isconstituted of a high frequency heating coil, the center axis of thehigh frequency heating coil is biased from the rotation axis of themetal body M2 rotated by the rotary portion 63. Due to such aconstitution, in the low deformation resistance region 30′, it ispossible to set a heating distribution in which the rotation axis regionis a non-center and hence, it is possible to prevent the generation ofthe region where the metal structure is not turned into the finer grainstructure in the rotation axis region whereby it is possible touniformly turn the metal structure into the finer grain structure evenin the STSP apparatus.

In this manner, by adjusting the arrangement of the heating device 64,the heating distribution can be made in a state in which the rotationaxis region is the non-center whereby the metal structure in therotation axis region can be also surely turned into the finer grainstructure.

A method for preventing unevenness formed in turning the metal structureinto the finer grain structure in the STSP apparatus is as follows. Thatis, one of the non-low deformation resistance regions sandwiching thelow deformation resistance region 30′ is moved in the directionapproximately orthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body M1with respect to the other non-low deformation resistance region andhence, the shearing deformation is allowed to be generated in therotation axis region of the low deformation resistance region 30′ due tothe movement whereby it is possible to prevent to form the unevenness inturning the metal structure into the finer grain structure.

That is, a vibration imparting device 47 of an SVSP apparatus describedlater may be incorporated in the STSP apparatus and the low deformationresistance region 30′ may be vibrated while being twisted.

Alternatively, by offsetting the rotation axis per se from a geometricalcenter of the metal body M2 which is formed in a round rod shape, theshearing deformation may be generated in a region of the rotation axisat the low deformation resistance 30′ so as to prevent thenon-uniformity in turning the metal structure into the finer grainstructure.

Further, by bringing a proper forming guide body which is served forforming the metal body M2 into a given shape into contact with the lowdeformation resistance region 30′ it is possible to generate adeformation stress which is applied to the low deformation resistanceregion 30′ by the forming guide body and hence, it is also possible toprevent the non-uniformity in turning the metal structure into the finergrain structure.

Particularly, in the low deformation resistance region 30′, since thedeformation resistance is lowered, formation of the portion into a givenshape can be easily performed and the deformation to a given shape andthe elimination of the unevenness in turning the metal structure intothe finer grain structure can be simultaneously performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, as a forming guide body, for example,a drawing die 69 is brought into contact with the low deformationresistance region 30′. Accordingly, while turning the metal structureinto the finer grain structure in the low deformation resistance region30′ by the shearing deformation, it is possible to apply the drawingtreatment to the metal body M2 using the drawing die 69.

Particularly, in FIG. 19, the drawing die 69 is connected to a heaternot shown in the drawing to obtain a desired temperature. That is, thedrawing die 69 can be used as a heating device.

Accordingly, it is possible to locally heat a contacting portion of themetal body M2 which is brought into contact with the drawing die 69 andhence, the low deformation resistance region 30′ can be easily formed.

Alternatively, a water passage (not shown in the drawing) or the likewhich allows cooling water to pass therethrough may be formed in theinside of the drawing die 69 so that the drawing die 69 may be used as acooling device which cools the low deformation resistance region 30′.

When the drawing die 69 is used as a cooling device, it is possible tolocally cool the contacting portion of the metal body which is broughtinto contact with the drawing die 69, then the drawing die 69effectively cools the low deformation resistance region after theshearing deformation and hence, the manufacturing efficiency can beenhanced.

Further, a given formation processing can be performed on the metal bodyM2 using a forming guide body after cooling the low deformationresistance region 30′ to a given temperature, particularly to thesuitable temperature to perform a formation processing.

Here, for facilitating the explanation, a cooling device is omitted inFIG. 19 and a heating device is omitted in FIG. 20.

The forming guide body is not limited to a drawing die 69. With the useof a die or a bite for forming male threads, thread processing or gearrolling may be also applied.

FIG. 21 is a schematic explanatory view of a modification of theabove-mentioned STSP apparatus. This STSP apparatus includes a supplyportion 70 which supplies a metal body M2′ and a housing portion 71which houses the metal body M2′ which is deformed by shearing.

The metal body M2′ which is wound around a given reel is supplied to thesupply portion 70 and the supply portion 70 feeds the metal body M2′while elongating the metal body M2′ linearly using a pulling tool notshown in the drawing.

In the housing portion 71, the metal body M2′ which is deformed byshearing is wound around a reel using a winding tool not shown in thedrawing and is housed.

Then, in the STSP apparatus, a plurality of shearing deformationportions 62′are arranged in a spaced-apart manner at a given intervalalong the extending direction of the metal body M2′ between the supplyportion 70 and the housing portion 71. Further, a rotary portion 63′ ispositioned between the neighboring shearing deformation portions 62′,62′and the metal body M2′ is rotated about the rotation axis which isarranged approximately in parallel to the extending direction of themetal body M2′ by the rotary portion 63′ thus deforming the metal bodyM2′ portion of the shearing deformation portion 62′ by shearing.

In the shearing deformation portion 62′, a high-frequency heating coil64′ which heats the metal body M2′, a first water discharging port 65 b′and a second water discharging port 65 c′ which discharges cooling waterto cool the metal body M2′ are provided. Further, the high-frequencyheating coil 64′ is interposed between the first water discharging port65 b′ and the second water discharging port 65 c′ so as to confine aheating region of the metal body M2′ which is formed by the highfrequency coil 64′ in a minute range.

In this embodiment, the rotary portion 63′ includes rotating rollerswhich are brought into contact with the metal body M2′ and the metalbody M2′ is rotated by the rotating roller. Further, with respect to theneighboring rotary portions 63′, rotating directions of respectiverotating rollers are set opposite to each other.

In the STSP apparatus having such a constitution, by feeding the metalbody M2′ using the supply portion 70 and the housing portion 71 astransport means of the metal body M2′, it is possible to apply shearingdeformation to the metal body M2′ plural times.

Alternatively, for example, in a state that the shearing deformationportions 62′ are arranged at N positions in a spaced-apart manner at agiven interval T along the extending direction of the metal body M2′,when the metal body M2′ is fed by a distance equal to the given intervalT using the supply portion 70 and the housing portion 71 as thetransport means of the metal body M2′, the shearing deformation can beperformed at a time within a region covering a length of T×N.Accordingly, it is possible to feed the metal body M2′ by T×N in a statethat the shearing deformation is stopped and, thereafter, it is possibleto restart the shearing deformation so as to feed the metal body M2′ bya distance equal to the given distance T. By repeating such operations,the manufacturing efficiency can be enhanced.

Further, in this case, N is an even number and the rotary portion 63′can be arranged in every other space defined between the neighboringshearing deformation portions 62′ without providing the rotary portion63′ in each space defined between every two neighboring shearingdeformation portions 62′ as shown in FIG. 21.

The STSP apparatus in the second embodiment which is the improved STSPapparatus in the first embodiment is explained hereinafter. In the STSPapparatus in the second embodiment, a low deformation resistance regionwhich is formed by heating the metal body is allowed to move along theextending direction of the metal body.

FIG. 22 is a schematic explanatory view of the STSP apparatus in thesecond embodiment and FIG. 23 is a schematic explanatory view of FIG. 22with a part broken away.

The STSP apparatus in the second embodiment consists of a rotaryprocessing part 102 which supports the rod-like metal body M3 to beprocessed while rotates the metal body, M3 as a rotating means, and aheating processing part 103 which heats a part of the metal body M3′supported in the rotary processing part 102 and is used as a lowdeformation resistance region forming means which forms a lowerdeformation resistance region. Here in this embodiment, the metal bodyM3 is described as a rod body having circular cross section, however,the metal body M3 is not always limited to the rod body having circularcross section. For example, the metal body can be a cylindrical bodywhich includes a hollow portion extended along the extending directionof the metal body M3 or in some case, the metal body M3 can be a mereangular rod body.

The rotary processing part 102 consists of a slide rail 105 which ismounted on an upper surface of a base body 104 while extended towardshorizontal direction, a sliding table 106 which is slidably attached onthe slide rail 105 and slides horizontally along the slide rail 105, atwisting motor 107 which is mounted on one end of the sliding table 106,and a fixing support body 108 which is mounted on the other end of thesliding table 106 and fixedly supports one end of the metal body M3being rotated by the twisting motor 107.

Further, in the lower surface of one end of the sliding table 106, afirst projection member 110 which is threaded with a reciprocationmanipulation shaft 109 formed in male threads is projected wherein theconstitution allows the sliding table 106 to slide horizontally alongthe slide rail 105 by rotating the reciprocation manipulation shaft 109using a reciprocation manipulation motor 111 which is interlockinglyconnected with one end of the reciprocation manipulation shaft 109.

The slide rail 105 is a cylindrical rod-shaped body in this embodimentand is extended between a first supporting wall 112 and a secondsupporting wall 113 which are erected in a spaced-apart manner with agiven distance on the upper surface of the base body 104. Particularlyin this embodiment, two slide rails 105 are placed in parallel in aspaced-apart manner on a horizontal plane. In FIG. 22 and FIG. 23,numeral 114 indicates a first subsidiary supporting body which alsosubsidiarily supports the slide rail 105 and numeral 115 indicates asecond subsidiary supporting body which also subsidiarily supports theslide rail 105. Particularly, in the second subsidiary supporting body115, one end of the reciprocation manipulation shaft 109 is rotatablysupported.

The sliding table 106 is constituted of a plate body of a given size,wherein the first projection member 110 is projected downwardly on oneend of the lower surface of the sliding table, and the second projectionmember 116 is also projected downwardly on the other end of the lowersurface of the sliding table. Still further in the first projectionmember 110 and the second projection member 116, insertion holes towhich slide rails 105 are respectively inserted are formed, wherein theslide rails 105 are inserted into the insertion holes and hence, thesliding table 106 is mounted to the slide rail 105 so that the slidetable 106 can be slidable along the slide rail 105.

A twisting motor 107 is fixedly mounted on one end of the sliding table106 and on an output shaft of the twisting motor 107, a mounting metalfitting 117 to fix the metal body M3 is attached. In the mounting metalfitting 117, an insertion hole in which one end of the metal body M3 isinserted is formed.

The fixing support body 108 is erected on the other end of the slidingtable 106 facing to the twisting motor 107, and particularly, the fixingsupport body 108 consists of a supporting frame 108 a and a clutchmechanism portion 108 b which is attached to the above-mentionedsupporting frame.

In the clutch mechanism portion 108 b, an insertion hole 108 c in whichthe metal body M3 is inserted is formed wherein the metal body M3 isfixedly mounted to the rotary plate of the clutch mechanism portion 108b after being inserted through the insertion hole 108 c and hence, byperforming a switching operation of the clutch mechanism portion 108 bbetween connected state and disconnected state, the metal body M3 isallowed to be switched between a non-rotatable state and a rotatablestate.

On the upper surface of the sliding table 106, a first rotating supportbody 118 and a second rotating support body 119 which rotatably supportthe metal body M3 at a desired position are formed. The first rotatingsupport body 118 is formed closer to the twisting motor 107, while thesecond rotating support body 119 is formed closer to the fixing supportbody 108.

On the upper portion of the first rotating support body 118 and thesecond rotating support body 119, four guiding rollers 118 a and 119 aare pivotally mounted in a rotatable manner while being extended inapproximately parallel to the metal body M3 and as shown in FIG. 24, theconstitution includes the guiding rollers 118 a positioned inapproximately equal distance around the metal body M3 so as to supportthe metal body M3.

The heating processing part 103 is arranged between the first rotatingsupport body 118 and the second rotating support body 119, whereinparticularly, the heating processing part 103 is constituted of aheating part 120 which lowers a deformation resistance by heating a partof the metal body M3 and a first cooling part 121 and a second coolingpart 122 which are arranged on the both sides of the heating part 120which is formed by heating of the heating part 120 and allows the lowdeformation resistance region to be a minimum region. The first coolingpart 121 and the second cooling part 122 enlarge the deformationresistance by cooling the both sides of the low deformation resistanceregion respectively when the deformation resistance is lowered byheating and are used as forming means of a non-low deformationresistance region.

The heating part 120 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, consistsof a high-frequency heating coil 123 wound around the metal body M3.Here, the heating part 120 is not limited to have a high-frequencyheating coil 123 and heating can be also performed by using plasma,laser, electromagnetic induction body or a gas burner.

The first cooling part 121 and the second cooling part 122 respectivelyconsist of spray nozzles 121 a and 122 a wherein water and air aresupplied to the spray nozzles 121 a and 122 a and water is sprayed tothe metal body M3 so that the metal body M3 is cooled. The first coolingpart 121 is arranged closer to the twisting motor 107, while the secondcooling part 122 is arranged closer to the fixing support body 108.

Cooling the metal body M3 by the first cooling part 121 and the secondcooling part 122, and then configuring the low deformation resistanceregion formed by heating of the heating part 120 to a minimum region, itis possible to generate a large amount of shearing stress by configuringa twisting region generated on the metal body M3 to a minute widthregion as described later.

In order to spray water in the first cooling part 121 and the secondcooling part 122, the heating processing part 103 is housed in theinside of a casing 124. Numeral 125 indicates a supporting columnerected on the base body 104 to support a mounting table 126 formounting the casing 124. In the casing 124 and the mounting table 126,water discharging passages 127 are formed to discharge water sprayed bythe first cooling part 121 and the second cooling part 122 into thecasing 124, wherein the constitution allows to discharge water stored inthe lower portion of the casing 124 through the water discharge passage127. In the constitution, water discharged from the water dischargepassage 127 is received by a water discharge vessel 128 formed on theupper surface of the sliding table 106 and then the water is furtherdischarged.

Also, in the inside of the casing 124, in order to prevent the sprayedwater from the first cooling part 121 and the second cooling part 122from being splashed on to the heating part 120, a waterproof casing 129surrounding the heating part 120 is formed thereon.

On the waterproof casing 129, a temperature measuring sensor 130 tomeasure the temperature of the metal body M3 heated by thehigh-frequency heating coil 123 is attached. Particularly, in order toperform an accurate measuring with the temperature measuring sensor 130,an air supply pipe 131 is connected in communicating manner in theinside of the waterproof casing 129 and dry air is supplied. Bysupplying the dry air into the waterproof casing 129, it also becomespossible to prevent the water sprayed in the first cooling part 121 andthe second cooling part 122 from intruding into the heating part 120.

A shearing stress is applied as follows by twisting the metal body M3with the use of the above-mentioned STSP apparatus.

Firstly, a desired metal body M3 is inserted in the insertion hole ofthe mounting metal fitting 117 after sequentially passing through theinsertion hole 108 c mounted on the clutch mechanism portion 108 b ofthe fixing support body 108, the second rotating support body 119, thehigh-frequency heating coil 123 in the inside of the casing 124, thefirst rotating support body 118 and then the metal body M3 is fixedlymounted by fastening a fixing bolt 32 mounted on the outside of themounting metal fitting 117 and further, the metal body M3 is fixedlymounted on a rotary plate of the clutch mechanism portion 108 b by afixing bolt which is not shown in the drawing.

Subsequently, the metal body M3 is rotated in a desired rotational speedby operating the twisting motor 107. Here, the clutch mechanism portion108 b is in disconnecting state so that the metal body M3 is in arotatable state to rotate the whole of the metal body M3. The rotationalspeed of the metal body M3 may be approximately 1 to 100 rpm. Here, themetal body M3 can be rotated in higher speed in some case.

Also, heating of the metal body M3 by the high-frequency heating coil123 is started along with the start of the rotation of the metal bodyM3. It is possible to heat the metal body M3 uniformly by heating themetal body M3 while rotating.

When the metal body M3 reached at the given cooling startingtemperature, spraying water from the spray nozzles 121 a and 122 a ofthe first cooling part 121 and the second cooling part 122 is started soas to cool the both sides of the deformation resistance region formed onthe metal body M3.

Then, the metal body M3 is further heated by the high-frequency heatingcoil 123 so that the metal body M3 reaches at the twisting startingtemperature which is higher than the cooling starting temperature, whenthe clutch mechanism portion 108 b is set in a connecting state to allowone side of the metal body M3 to be in non-rotatable state.

Accordingly, while one side of the metal body M3 is in a non-rotatablestate, the other side of the metal body M3 is in a rotatable state bythe twisting motor 107 and hence, twisting can be generated in the lowdeformation resistance region of the metal body M3. Here, the twistingstarting temperature is set higher than the recovery temperature or therecrystallization temperature of the metal of the metal body M3,however, it is preferable to control the temperature lower than thetemperature which generates an influence on the metal crystallineparticles to start becoming coarse.

Further, by operating the reciprocation manipulation motor 111 alongwith the clutch mechanism part 108 b being set in a connecting state,the sliding table 106 is allowed to slide along the slide rail 105 andhence, a forming position of the low deformation resistance region ofthe metal body M3 is moved.

Accordingly, a shearing stress can be applied continuously to the metalbody M3 along the extending direction of the metal body M3. The movingspeed of the sliding table 106 may be around 1 to 200 cm/min and in viewof the rotating speed of the twisting motor 107, it is preferable to setthe moving speed suitable to the metal body M3.

When the sliding table 106 has moved for a given distance, heating bythe high-frequency heating coil 123 is stopped and then the slidingtable 106 is returned to the initial position using the reciprocationmotor 111 having reversely rotated.

Then, when the temperature of the metal body M3 is lowered to a giventemperature, spray of the water from the spray nozzles 121 a and 122 aof the first cooling part 121 and the second cooling part 122 is stoppedand hence, the metal body M3 is taken out from the STSP apparatus.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, shearing stress is applied only onthe approaching route of the sliding table 106 which is reciprocated bythe reciprocate manipulation motor 111 by twisting the metal body M3,however, twisting of the metal body M3 may be also performed on thereturning route of the sliding table 106, and further, in such acondition, the rotating direction of the twisting motor 107 can bereversed. Furthermore, by reciprocating the sliding table 106 forseveral times, shearing stress can be repeatedly applied to the metalbody M3.

In the above-mentioned STSP apparatus, the high-frequency heating coil123 of the heating part 120 can be wound such that the distance from themetal body M3 is set approximately uniform. When the high-frequencyheating coil 123 of the heating part 120 is wound such that the distancefrom the metal body M3 is not set approximately uniform, the heatedcenter of the metal body M3 by the high-frequency heating coil 123, thatis, the mostly heated portion can be positioned in a deflectingdirection from the rotation axis of the metal body M3 rotated by thetwisting motor 107, that is the twisting rotation axis of the lowdeformation resistance region and hence, sufficient shearing stress canbe also applied to the metal of the rotation axis and therefore, it ispossible to allow the metal structure of the metal body M3 to uniformlyhave a finer grain structure.

Also, it is possible to apply sufficient shearing stress to the metal ofthe rotation axis portion for twisting by forming a vibrating meanswhich vibrates the metal body M3 along the direction substantiallyorthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body M3 on at leasteither one of the first rotating support body 118 or the second rotatingsupport body 119. Therefore, it is possible to allow the metal body M3to have a uniformly finer metal structure. As a vibrating means, avibrator may simply be attached either to the first rotating supportbody 118 or to the second rotating support body 119.

Still further, in the inside of the casing 124, a given reaction filmmay be formed on the surface of the non deformation resistance region bysupplying an active gas such as nitrogen gas or methane gas and/orcarbon monoxide gas or the like.

Particularly, by forming the high pressure atmosphere in the inside ofthe casing 124 with an active gas or the like, it can be expected toimprove the fining efficiency of the metal structure due to the applyinga high pressure to the low deformation resistance region.

Alternatively, the non deformation resistance region can be formed in aliquid after pouring a liquid into the inside of the casing 124. Here,spraying water from spray nozzles 21 a and 22 a is not necessary andconcurrently it is possible to enhance the cooling efficiency of themetal body M3. In this case, it is also preferable to form theabove-mentioned waterproof casing 129 and supply a given air therein soas to allow the metal body M3 to be heated without fail by thehigh-frequency heating coil 123.

Particularly, it is possible to form a given reaction film on thesurface of the non deformation resistance region by applying an activegas such as nitrogen gas or methane gas and/or carbon monoxide gas inthe inside of the waterproof casing 129.

Further, when a liquid is poured into the inside of the casing 124, aquenching is also being performed concurrently and hence, a givenquenching or a cooling can be performed by adjusting the temperature ofthe liquid which is poured into the inside of the casing 124.

Here, bringing a forming guide body into contact with the non-heatedpart of the metal body M3, the metal structure may turn into finer grainstructure and also enable to form the metal structure in a givenconfiguration.

When the above-mentioned rotary processing part 102, the sliding table106 which mounts this rotary processing part 102 and the slidingmechanism which slides the sliding table 106 are mounted in the insideof a chamber in a suitable form to be housed in the inside of thechamber of an electron beam irradiation device, it becomes possible toapply electron beam for heating the metal body and the metal body can becooled by self-cooling effect of the metal body without using anycooling means and hence, the forming effect of the low deformationresistance region can be enhanced.

Hereinafter, an STSP apparatus of the third embodiment which is animprovement of the STSP apparatus of the second embodiment is explained.With the STSP apparatus of the third embodiment, it is possible tocontinuously process the metal body which is extended in an elongatedmanner in one direction.

FIG. 25 is a schematic explanatory view of the STSP apparatus of thethird embodiment, FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of an essential part inFIG. 25, and FIG. 27 is a side view of a portion of the essential part.

The STSP apparatus of the third embodiment is configured to beinterposed in the midst of the transport step of the metal body M4 whichis extended in one direction in an elongated manner, wherein a first lowdeformation resistance region forming portion 210, a displacementimparting portion 220, and a second low deformation resistance regionforming portion 230 are provided from the upstream side in the transportstep of the metal body M4. In FIG. 25, numerals 240 and 250 respectivelyindicate transport guide portions, wherein a guide frame 202 whichmounts guide rollers 201 thereon at a given interval is positioned at adesired height using a support strut 203.

The first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210 isconstituted by arranging a pair of first feeding rollers 211 which feedthe metal body M4, a pair of first transport suppression rollers 212which suppress the transporting of the displacement applied to the metalbody M4 by the displacement imparting portion 220 on a later stage, afirst heater 213 which forms a first low deformation resistance regionby heating the metal body M4, and a first cooler 214 which cools sideperipheries of the first low deformation resistance region formed by thefirst heater 213 so as to increase the deformation resistance of themetal body M4 along the feeding direction of the metal body M4. In FIG.25 to FIG. 27, numeral 215 indicates first feeding guide of the metalbody M4, and numeral 216 indicates a control portion 230 which controlsthe first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210, thedisplacement imparting portion 220, and the second low deformationresistance region forming portion 230.

Further, the second low deformation resistance region forming portion230 is constituted by arranging a second feeding guides 235 of the metalbody M4, a second heater 233 which forms a second low deformationresistance region by heating the metal body M4, a second cooler 234which cools side peripheries of the second low deformation resistanceregion formed by the second heater 233 so as to increase the deformationresistance of the metal body M4, a pair of second feeding rollers 231which feed the metal body M4, and a pair of second transport suppressingrollers 232 which suppress the transfer of the displacement applied tothe metal body M4 by the displacement imparting portion 220 in thepreceding stage along the feeding direction of the metal body M4.

Particularly, in the second low deformation resistance region formingportion 230, to set a width of the second low deformation resistanceregion formed by the second heater 233 to a given width, a third cooler237 is provided between a feed guide 235 and a second heater 233.

In the first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210 andthe second low deformation resistance region forming portion 230, thepair of first feeding rollers 211 and the pair of the second feedingrollers 231 have the identical constitution, the pair of the firsttransport suppressing rollers 212 and the pair of the second transportsuppressing rollers 232 also have the identical constitution, the firstheater 213 and the second heater 233 also have the identicalconstitution, the first cooler 214 and the second cooler 234 also havethe identical constitution, and the first feeding guide 215 and thesecond feeding guide 235 also have the identical constitution, whereinthe first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210 and thesecond low deformation resistance region forming portion 230 only differin the arrangement of these parts.

Hereinafter, the first low deformation resistance region forming portion210 is explained in conjunction with FIG. 26 and FIG. 27.

The first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210 isconstituted by sequentially arranging the pair of first feeding rollers211, the pair of first transport suppression rollers 212, the firstheater 213, the first cooler 214, and the first feeding guide 215 on abase frame 218 having a rectangular frame shape along the feedingdirection of the metal body M4.

The pair of first feeding rollers 211 is configured to clamp the metalbody M4 between an upper feeding roller 211 a which is arranged on anupper side of the metal body M4 and a lower feeding roller 211 b whichis arranged on a lower side of the metal body M4. As shown in FIG. 27,by rotating the lower feeding roller 211 b by means of a drive motor 211c which is interlockingly connected with the lower feeding roller 211 b,it is possible to feed the metal body M4 which is clamped between theupper feeding roller 211 a and the lower feeding roller 211 b.

Particularly, with respect to the upper feeding roller 211 a, by biasingan upper feeding roller support body 211 d which mounts the upperfeeding roller 211 a thereon downwardly using a first biasing spring 211e, the metal body M4 is clamped between the upper feeding roller 211 aand the lower feeding roller 211 b with a given pressure. In FIG. 26,numeral 211 f indicates a lower feeding roller support body which mountsthe lower feeding roller 211 b thereon, and numeral 211 g indicates afirst support strut which supports the upper feeding roller support body211 d above the lower feeding roller support body 211 f.

Here, in this embodiment, the metal body M4 is formed of a round rodbody having a circular cross section which extends in one direction andcontact surfaces of the upper feeding roller 211 a and the lower feedingroller 211 b with the metal body M4 are recessed in an arcuate shape.

The pair of first transport suppression rollers 212 is configured toclamp the metal body M4 between an upper suppression roller 212 a whichis arranged on an upper side of the metal body M4 and a lowersuppression roller 212 b which is arranged on a lower side of the metalbody M4.

Particularly, with respect to the upper suppression roller 212 a, bybiasing an upper suppression roller support body 212 d which mounts theupper suppression roller 212 a thereon downwardly using a second biasingspring 212 e, the metal body M4 is clamped between the upper suppressionroller 212 a and the lower suppression roller 212 b with a givenpressure. In FIG. 26, numeral 212 f indicates a lower suppression rollersupport body which mounts the lower suppression roller 212 b thereon,and numeral 212 g indicates a second support strut which supports theupper suppression roller support body 212 d above the lower suppressionroller support body 212 f.

The pair of first transport suppression rollers 212 can be elevated orlowered by manipulating an elevation plate 212 h which is brought intocontact with an upper portion of the second biasing spring 212 e usingan elevation manipulation handle 212 j. By adjusting the height of theelevation plate 212 h, it is possible to adjust a clamping force of themetal body M4 by the upper suppression roller 212 a and the lowersuppression roller 212 b.

Contact surfaces of the upper suppression roller 212 a and the lowersuppression roller 212 b with the metal body M4 are also recessed in anarcuate shape in the same manner as the contact surfaces of the upperfeeding roller 211 a and the lower feeding roller 211 b with the metalbody M4. Particularly, with respect to the upper suppression roller 212a and the lower suppression roller 212 b, in contact surfaces thereofwith the metal body M4, a plurality of engaging grooves 212 k are formedalong peripheral surfaces thereof thus preventing the rotation of themetal body M4 at the pair of first transport suppression rollers 212along with the rotation of the metal body M4 about a rotary axissubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body M4which is imparted to the metal body M4 by the displacement impartingportion 220 as described later.

Here, the pair of first transport suppression rollers 212 may beprovided in plural pairs when necessary thus reliably preventing therotation of the metal body M4 at the pair of first transport suppressionrollers 212.

The first heater 213 may be constituted of a high frequency heating coil213 a which is wound around the metal body M4. Here, the first heater213 is not limited to the high frequency heating coil 213 a and mayadopt heating which uses plasma, laser, electromagnetic induction or thelike or heating by a gas burner.

The first cooler 24 is constituted of a cylindrical water blow-off pipe214 a which forms a plurality of blow-off openings in an inner surfacethereof and a water supply pipe 214 b which supplies water to theblow-off pipe 214 a. In FIG. 26, numeral 214 c indicates a casing whichprevents the splashing of water blown off from the blow-off pipe 214 a.

The first feeding guide 215 rotatably and pivotally mounts four guiderollers 215 b on an upper portion of a rotation support body 215 a in astate that four guide rollers 215 b respectively extend substantiallyparallel to the metal body M4 and has the substantially sameconstitution as the first rotation support body 118 shown in FIG. 24.

The first low deformation resistance region forming portion 210 has theabove-mentioned constitution and, when necessary, a cooler similar tothe first cooler 214 may be provided between the pair of first transportsuppression rollers 212 and the first heater 213 so as to cool the metalbody M4 thus preventing the heat which heats the metal body M4 using thefirst heater 213 from being transferred to the pair of first transportsuppression rollers 212 portion.

The second low deformation resistance region forming portion 230 onlydiffers in the arrangement of the pair of first feeding rollers 211, thepair of first transport suppression rollers 212, the first heater 213,the first cooler 214 and the first feeding guide 215 from the first lowdeformation resistance region forming portion 210 as mentioned above andhence, the explanation thereof is omitted. Here, a third cooler 237 ofthe second low deformation resistance region forming portion 230directly ejects water supplied from the water supply pipe to the metalbody M4 without using the water blow-off pipe 214 a of the first cooler214. In FIG. 25, numeral 237 a is a casing for preventing the splashingof water in the third cooler 237.

The displacement imparting portion 220 is, in this embodiment,constituted of a rotating equipment which rotates the metal body M4about a rotary axis parallel to the extending direction thereof, whereinthe metal body M4 is clamped between the first rotating roller 220 a andthe second rotating roller 220 b so as to rotate the metal body M4.

Particularly, the first rotating roller 220 a and the second rotatingroller 220 b have respective axes thereof intersected at given angleswith respect to the extending direction of the metal body M4 and hence,the metal body M4 can be fed along the extending direction whilerotating the metal body M4.

In the above-mentioned STSP apparatus, the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance region areformed by heating the metal body M4 by the first heater 213 in the firstlow deformation resistance region forming portion 210 and the secondheater 233 in the second low deformation resistance region formingportion 230 respectively while feeding the metal body M4 in theextending direction and, thereafter, the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance region arerespectively deformed by shearing by rotating the metal body M4 in thenon-low deformation resistance region sandwiched by the first lowdeformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistanceregion using the displacement imparting portion 220.

In this embodiment, although the metal body M4 is rotated in thedisplacement imparting portion 220, the metal body M4 may be vibrated bybringing a suitable ultrasonic vibration device or the like into contactwith the metal body M4.

In this manner, by forming the first low deformation resistance regionand the second low deformation resistance region on the metal body M4extended in one direction in a spaced-apart manner with a given distancetherebetween and, at the same time, by imparting the given displacementmotion to the non-low deformation resistance region portion between thefirst low deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region, it is possible to turn the metal structure into thefiner grain structure during the transport step of the metal body M4.

Further, a heating device for aging treatment may be provided in a stagesucceeding the second low deformation resistance region so as to performthe aging treatment in which the metal body M4 is heated at a givenaging temperature.

Alternatively, a suitable forming device, for example, a rolling device,a drawing device or the like may be provided to perform the plasticforming of the metal body M4 to the stage succeeding the second lowdeformation resistance region forming portion 230.

Particularly, when the metal body M4 is formed of the hollow cylindricalbody, a planar metal body may be formed by cutting and opening the metalbody M4 in a stage succeeding the second low deformation resistanceregion forming portion 230 along the extending direction. Due to such aconstitution, it is possible to extremely easily manufacture the planarmetal body having the finer metal structure.

FIG. 28 shows an apparatus which deforms by shearing the low deformationresistance region formed in the metal body by vibration. The methodwhich turns the metal structure into the finer grain structure bydeforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing by vibrationis referred to as a SVSP (Severe Vibration Straining Process) by theinventors of the present invention and FIG. 28 is a schematicexplanatory view of one example of a SVSP apparatus. Here, forfacilitating the explanation of the invention, although the metal bodyM1 is formed of an angular rod body which extends in one direction, themetal body M1 may have other shape

The SVSP apparatus includes a fixing portion 41, a shearing deformationportion 42, and a vibration portion 43 which are mounted on a base 40along the extending direction of the metal body M1.

The fixing portion 41 includes a first restricting body 44 and a secondrestricting body 45 along the extending direction of the metal body M4.The first restricting body 44 restricts the movement in the widthwisedirection of the metal body M1 which is fed along the extendingdirection, and the second restricting body 45 restricts the movement inthe thickness direction of the metal body M1 which is fed along theextending direction thus fixing the metal body M1 in a reciprocatingmanner.

That is, in the first restricting body 44, the metal body M1 is fixed bya first contact roller 44 a and a second contact roller 44 b which arerespectively rotatably supported on support bodies.

Further, in the second restricting body 45, between a first support body45 a and a second support body 45 b which are mounted in an erectedmanner with the metal body Ml therebetween, a lower roller 45 c which ispositioned below the metal body M1 and an upper roller 45 d which ispositioned above the metal body M1 are extended in a rotatable manner,and the metal body M1 is fixed by the lower roller 45 c and the upperroller 45 d.

Here, the lower roller 45 c, the upper roller 45 d as well as the firstcontact roller 44 a and the second contact roller 44 b of the firstrestricting body 44 may be respectively rotated by suitable drivedevices thus constituting a feeding mechanism which feeds the metal bodyM1. In FIG. 28, numeral 46 indicates a guide roller which supports thefeeding of the metal body M1

The vibration portion 43 includes a vibration imparting body 47 and avibration propagation suppression body 48 along the extending directionof the metal body M1. The given vibrations are applied to the metal bodyM1 in the vibration imparting body 47, while the propagation of thevibration imparted to the metal body M1 in the vibration imparting body47 along the metal body M1 is suppressed in the vibration propagationsuppression body 48.

The vibration imparting body 47 is formed of an ultrasonic vibrationbody 49 which is positioned below the metal body M1 and a propagationbody 50 which is mounted on an output shaft 49 a of the ultrasonicvibration body 49. The propagation body 50 is constituted by rotatablymounting a lower roller 50 a which is positioned below the metal body M1and an upper roller 50 b which is positioned above the metal body M1 ona U-shaped support frame 50 c in an extending manner, wherein the metalbody M1 is clamped by the lower roller 50 a and the upper roller 50 b.

Further, the propagation body 50 is vibrated at a given amplitude andwith a given frequency by operating the ultrasonic vibration body 49thus vibrating the metal body M1 in the vertical direction. In thisembodiment, although the vibratory motion is generated by the ultrasonicvibration body 49, the vibratory motion may be generated by a deviceother than the ultrasonic vibration body 49 such as a linear motor, apiezoelectric actuator or a cam mechanism in a simplified case.

For example, the vibration device which is formed of a cam mechanism is,as shown in FIG. 29, constituted such that, as described later, in thevicinity of the low deformation resistance region 30 formed in the metalbody M1, an elliptical cam 55 is formed on one side surface of the metalbody M1 and, at the same time, a follower resilient body 56 which isconstituted of a spring or the like is formed on another surface side,wherein the metal body M1 is clamped between the elliptical cam 55 andthe follower resilient body 56 and the metal body M1 receives thevibratory motion due to the rotational motion of the elliptical cam 55.In FIG. 23, numeral 57 indicates a fixing body for the followerresilient body 56 and numeral 58 indicates a support plate which isdirectly brought into contact with the metal body M1 and allows themetal body M1 to perform the stable vibration. Here, the cam is notlimited to the elliptical cam 55 and may be formed of a cam having asuitable shape such as a polygonal cam.

It is sufficient that the amplitude of the vibrations applied to themetal body M1 using the ultrasonic vibration body 49 is at a level whichcan turn the metal structure in the low deformation resistance region 30portion which is formed in the metal body M1 into the finer grainstructure by shearing deformation as described later. Basically, thenecessary minimum amplitude can be determined based on the particle sizeof the metal structure of the metal which forms the metal body M1 andthe width size in the extending direction of the metal body M1 in thelow deformation resistance region 30.

With respect to the amplitude of the vibrations generated by theultrasonic vibration body 49, although the larger the amplitude of thevibrations, the metal structure can be turned into further finer grainstructure, when the amplitude of the vibrations is large, there exists apossibility that the deformation which makes the restoration impossibleis generated in the low deformation resistance region 30. Accordingly,it is desirable that the metal body M1 is vibrated with the maximumamplitude which does not generate the deformation which makes therestoration difficult in the low deformation resistance region 30.

Here, the deformation which does not make the restoration difficult isthe deformation which allows the low deformation resistance region 30 torestore the shape before the vibrations in the vibrations of a halfcycle, while the deformation which makes the restoration difficult isthe deformation which does not allow the low deformation resistanceregion 30 to restore the shape before the vibrations in the vibrationsof the half cycle.

It is necessary that the frequency of the vibrations applied to themetal body M1 by the ultrasonic vibration body 49 is the frequency whichcan apply a strain attributed to the displacement different from thepreceding displacement, that is, the displacement in the directionopposite to or different from the preceding displacement before thestrain attributed to the displacement generated in the low deformationresistance region 30 by the vibrations is eliminated by the cancellationaction of the strain of the metal body M1 or is eliminated by therecrystallization of the metal structure. It is desirable to set thefrequency as large as possible. Here, the vibrations applied to themetal body M1 is not always limited to a case in which the highfrequency vibrations are applied to the metal body M1 but also areapplied to a case in which only the vibrations corresponding to only thehalf cycle is applied to the low deformation resistance region 30 thusapplying the vibrations of low frequency only for a short period.

Here, the low frequency is the frequency of the vibrations which setsthe longest time which allows the vibrations of the low frequency togenerate the strain of the next displacement until, with respect to thestrain attributed to the displacement generated in the low deformationresistance region 30, the cancellation action of the strain of theabove-mentioned metal body M1 or the recrystallization action of themetal structure is started to a ¼ cycle.

Here, to perform the shearing deformation of the low deformationresistance region 30 more efficiently, it is desirable that not only themetal body M1 is fixed by the first restricting body 44 but also themetal body M1 is fixed by making use of inertia of the metal body M1 perse. Accordingly, it is desirable that the vibration applying conditionwhich allows the fixing using inertia is selected by applying thevibrations under conditions corresponding to the metal body M1 processedby the SVSP apparatus.

The vibration propagation suppression body 48 has the same constitutionas the above-mentioned second restricting body 45, wherein between afirst support body 48 a and a second support body 48 b which are mountedin an erected manner with the metal body M1 therebetween, a lower roller48 c which is positioned below the metal body M1 and an upper roller 48d which is positioned above the metal body M1 are extended in arotatable manner, and the metal body M1 is fixed by the lower roller 48c and the upper roller 48 d thus suppressing the propagation of thevibrations applied to the metal body M1 by the vibration imparting body47 along the metal body M1.

The shearing deformation portion 42 is formed of a heating device 51which heats the metal body M1 at a given temperature and a coolingdevice 52 which cools the metal body M1 for suppressing the lowdeformation resistance region 30 which is formed in the metal body M1 byheating the heating device 51 within a given width.

In this embodiment, a high-frequency heating coil is used as the heatingdevice 51, wherein the heating device 51 is formed by winding thehigh-frequency heating coil given turns around the metal body M1 andheats the metal body M1 to the given temperature to reduce thedeformation resistance thus forming the low deformation resistanceregion 30. Here, the heating device 51 is not limited to thehigh-frequency heating coil and may adopt heating which uses electronbeams, plasma, laser, electromagnetic induction or the like, heating bya gas burner, or heating using electric short-circuiting. Particularly,when the electron beams are used as the heating device 51, a width ofthe low deformation resistance region 30 in the extending direction ofthe metal body M1 can be set to an extremely small value and hence, itis possible to apply a larger shearing stress to the low deformationresistance region 30 whereby the metal structure can be turned into thefurther finer grain structure.

The cooling device 52 is formed of a first water discharge opening 52 band a second water discharge opening 52 c which discharge water suppliedfrom a water supply pipe 52 a and the metal body M1 is cooled by waterdischarged from the first water discharge opening 52 b and the secondwater discharge opening 52 c. In FIG. 28, numeral 53 indicates a waterreceptacle which receives water discharged from the first waterdischarge opening 52 b and the second water discharge opening 52 c, andnumeral 54 indicates a water discharge pipe which is connected to thewater receptacle 53.

In the cooling device 52, both sides of the low deformation resistanceregion 30 which is formed by the heating device provided between thefirst water discharging opening 52 b and the second water dischargingopening 52 c are cooled by water discharged from the first waterdischarging opening 52 b and the second water discharging opening 52 c.Particularly, by adjusting the arrangement position of the first waterdischarging opening 52 b and the second water discharging opening 52 c,the low deformation resistance region 30 is set to an extremely minuteregion compared with the length of the metal body M1 in the extendingdirection.

By setting the low deformation resistance region 30 to the extremelyminute width in the extending direction of the metal body M1 in thismanner, an extremely large shearing deformation is liable to be easilygenerated in the portion of the low deformation resistance region 30 andhence, the efficiency to turn the metal structure into the finer grainstructure can be enhanced. Further, it is possible to reduce theresidual strain of the shearing deformation or the residual deformationattributed to the vibratory motion.

Further, the quench hardening is applied to the low deformationresistance region 30 heated by the heating device 51 by quenching thelow deformation resistance region 30 by the cooling device 52, it ispossible to enhance the hardness of the metal body M1 whose metalstructure is turned into the finer grain structure.

Cooling of the metal body M1 is not limited to the cooling by water andmay be cooling by air. Further, cooling may be excitation cooling. Anycooling method can be used provided that the method can enhance thedeformation resistance of the metal body M1.

As the heating device 51 and the cooling device 52, various heatingmeans and cooling means can be used in the same manner as the heatingdevice 64 and the cooling device 65 of the above-mentioned STSPapparatus.

In this embodiment, although the cooling device 52 is provided betweenthe second restricting body 45 and the heating device 51 formed of thehigh frequency heating coil and cooling device 52 is provided betweenthe heating device 51 and the vibration imparting body 47, the secondrestricting body 45 and the vibration imparting body 47 may be arrangedcloser to the heating device 51 than the cooling device 52 thus makingthe distance between the second restricting body 45 and the vibrationimparting body 47 as short as possible.

By making the distance between the second restricting body 45 and thevibration imparting body 47 as short as possible in this manner, it ispossible to prevent the energy of vibrations applied to the metal bodyM1 by the vibration imparting body 47 from being scattered to portionsother than the low deformation resistance region 30 and hence, theshearing deformation of the low deformation resistance region 30attributed to the energy of vibrations can be efficiently generated.

Further, by imparting a cooling function to the lower roller 45 c andthe upper roller 45 d of the second restricting body 45 which clamp themetal body M1 and the lower roller 50 a and the upper roller 50 b of thepropagation body 50 in the vibration imparting body 47, it may be alsopossible to clamp and cool the metal body M1 using these rollers 45 c,45 d, 50 a, 50 b.

In the SVSP apparatus having the above-mentioned constitution, when themetal structure is turned into the finer grain structure by thevibratory motion, the metal body M1 is sequentially fed through thefixing portion 41, the shearing deformation portion 42 and the vibrationportion 43, and the metal body M1 is heated by the heating device 51while cooling both sides of the low deformation resistance region 30using the cooling device 52 at the shearing deformation portion 42 thusforming the low deformation resistance region 30.

Here, the heating using the heating device 51 is performed until thetemperature of the low deformation resistance region 30 is elevated tothe softening temperature which can restore the strain generated in themetal body M1 or the recrystallization temperature of the metalstructure and, when the temperature of the low deformation resistanceregion 30 is elevated to the restoration or recrystallizationtemperature, the non-low deformation resistance regions of the metalbody M1 are vibrated by the vibration imparting body 47 thus generatingthe shearing deformation in the low deformation resistance region 30.Here, although the heating temperature of the metal body M1 attributedto the heating device 51 is equal to or more than the restoration orrecrystallization temperature, it is desirable to control the heatingtemperature of the metal body M1 to a temperature at which the influenceof the coarse growth of the crystal grains starts to be generated.

In this manner, by deforming the low deformation resistance region 30 byshearing, it is possible to turn the metal structure into the finergrain structure while hardly generating the change of the profile shapeof the metal body M1.

Here, in this embodiment, the vibration imparting body 47 vibrates thenon-low deformation resistance region of the metal body M1 in thevertical direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the metalbody M1. However, as mentioned above, the low deformation resistanceregion may be vibrated in the lateral direction, that is, in the widthdirection of the metal body M1 or may be vibrated by the compositevibration which is the combination of the vibration in the verticaldirection and the vibration in the lateral direction. For this end, thevibration applying body 47 may have any suitable constitution.

Here, the vibration applied to the metal body M1 is not limited to thevertical direction or the lateral direction which is substantiallyorthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body M1. It ispossible to use any vibration provided that the vibration at leastincludes the vibration in the vertical direction or in the lateraldirection which is substantially orthogonal to the extending directionof the metal body M1 in vibration components thereof.

In the SVSP apparatus of this embodiment, as mentioned above, theshearing deformation is generated in the low deformation resistanceregion 30′ by applying the vibratory motion from the vibration portion43 and, at the same time, by feeding the metal body M1 in the extendingdirection, it is possible to displace the position of the lowdeformation resistance region 30 in the metal body M1. Accordingly, bycontinuously performing the shearing treatment by the vibratory motionon the metal body M1, it is possible to turn the metal structure intothe finer grain structure over a wide range.

Particularly, since the low deformation resistance region 30 thoroughlytraverses the metal body M1 which extends in one direction, along withthe movement of the low deformation resistance region 30, it is possibleto uniformly apply the shearing treatment to the metal body M1 andhence, it is possible to form the metal body M1 whose metal structure isturned into the substantially homogenous finer grain structure.

Further, in some cases, by adjusting the magnitude of the shearingstress generated due to the shearing deformation at a given position ofthe metal body M1, the degree of turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure is adjusted and hence, it is possible to adjustthe strength or the ductility of the metal body M1 whereby it ispossible to form the metal body M1 in which the strength or theductility is partially enhanced.

In this embodiment, one end of the in which the low deformationresistance region 30 is formed is fixed and another end of the metalbody M12 is vibrated. However, both sides of the metal body M12 whichsandwich the low deformation resistance region 30 maybe respectivelyvibrated with phases opposite to each other.

Further, when the SVSP apparatus is mounted on a post step portion of agiven forming device which performs hot rolling, cold rolling or pressforming on the metal body M1, it is possible to deform the metalstructure of the metal body M1 which is stretched or drawn in theextending direction by the rolling treatment, the extrusion treatment orthe like by shearing whereby the metal structure can be turned into thefiner grain structure further easily.

In this manner, with the use of the above-mentioned SVSP apparatus andthe STSP apparatus the low deformation resistance regions 30, 30′ arelocally formed in the metal body and, at the same time, the strongstrain is applied to the low deformation resistance regions 30, 30′ bydeforming the low deformation resistance regions 30, 30′ by shearing andhence, the metal structure is turned into the finer grain structurewhereby it is possible to enhance the strength or the ductility of themetal body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when the metal body is a stacked body 10which is formed by laminating a plurality of metal layers, a metal whichforms each metal layer is bonded to a metal forming a metal layer whichis arranged next to the metal layer in a state that both metal layersare turned into the finer grain structure each other and hence, it ispossible to form an integral metal body and, at the same time, it ispossible to provide the metal body whose metal composition changes inthe stacked layer direction of the metal layers.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 30 which is a cross-sectional schematicview of the metal body, when a second metal material 25 is inserted intoa notched portion of a first metal rod 24 having a notched round rodshape forming such a notched portion thus forming an integral compositemetal rod 26 and the composite metal rod 26 is treated using the STSPapparatus, metal of the first metal rod 24 and metal of the second metalmaterial 25 are mechanically mixed to each other and hence, a novelalloy can be formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the metal body is a pre-baked body 16of a mixed body which is formed by mixing plural kinds of metal powderymaterials, by bonding metal structures of respective metal powderymaterial to each other while turning the metal structures into the finergrain structure, it is possible to form a densely integrated metal body.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the metal body is a filling body 19which is formed by filling a metal powdery material 18 in hole portionsof a porous body, respective metals are bonded to each other in a statethat the metal structures of the metals are turned into the finer grainstructure and hence, an integral metal can be formed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the metal body is formed of the metal wirebundle 23 which is formed by bundling plural kinds of metal wirematerials, metal structures of respective metal powdery bodies arebonded to each other in a state that the metal structures are turnedinto the finer grain structure, and hence, it is possible to form adensely integral metal body. Particularly, even metals which cannot bebonded by a melting method can be bonded to each other using the SVSPapparatus and the STSP apparatus and hence, it is possible to form anovel alloy.

Particularly, when the metal body is held as a hollow cylindrical bodyuntil the metal structure of the metal body is turned into the finergrain structure using the SVSP apparatus or the STSP apparatus and,thereafter, the metal structure is turned into the finer grain structureby the SVSP apparatus or the STSP apparatus and a peripheral surface ofthe metal body formed in a cylindrical shape is cut and opened to have aplanar body, it is possible to extremely easily provide a plate-likemetal material whose metal structure is turned into the finer grainstructure.

In the above-mentioned SVSP apparatus and the STSP apparatus, byadjusting a length of the low deformation resistance region in theextending direction of the metal body which is formed by the heatingdevice and the shearing deformation which is applied to the lowdeformation resistance region, it is possible to perform the shearingdeformation over the whole area of the low deformation resistance region30. Alternatively, it is possible to perform the shearing deformation toa portion of the low deformation resistance region, for example, acenter region of the low deformation resistance region, both endportions of low deformation resistance region or one end portion of thelow deformation resistance region.

Further, the metal body in which the crystal structure of the lowdeformation resistance region is turned into the finer grain structureusing the SVSP apparatus and the STSP apparatus may be, when necessary,subjected to quench hardening in a salt bath. In this case, by allowingthe metal body to pass through the salt bath quench hardening devicefrom the SVSP apparatus and the STSP apparatus, it is possible toefficiently form the metal body with an improved function.

Further, with respect to the metal body in which the crystal structureof the low deformation resistance region is turned into the finer grainstructure by the SVSP apparatus and the STSP apparatus, by applying theplastic forming to the metal structure while preventing the metalstructure from becoming coarse, it is possible to form the metal bodywhose metal structure is turned into the finer grain structure and hencepossesses the high strength or the high ductility and which has a givenshape.

Here, when the crystal structure of the low deformation resistanceregion is turned into the finer grain structure, as mentioned above, thetemperature is set at a relatively low temperature which prevents thegeneration of large-sizing of the crystal grains which are turned intothe finer grain structure as described above and hence, the temperaturecan be set lower than the forming temperature which is necessary inplastic forming in many cases.

Here, when the plastic forming is performed, the metal body is rapidlyheated to a given forming temperature and the plastic forming isperformed in a heating state for a short time which prevents the growthof the metal structure and hence, it is possible to suppress the growthof the metal structure in the plastic forming so as to suppress theobstruction which prevents the metal structure from have the highstrength and the high ductility.

Further, the metal structure of the metal body is not quenched until anormal temperature after performing the plastic forming but the agingtreatment is applied to the metal body while holding the metal structureof the metal body at a temperature which prevents the metal growth ofthe structure. Accordingly, it is possible to further enhance the metalbody which obtains the high strength and the high ductility.

As mentioned above, in the metal body in which the metal structurethereof is turned into the finer grain structure, when the temperatureof the metal body is higher than the recrystallization temperature ofthe metal body, the metal structure which is once turned into the finergrain structure is grown thus eliminating an advantageous effectobtained by turning the metal structure into the finer grain structureis eliminated. Accordingly, in turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure using the SVSP apparatus and the STSP apparatus,after the treatment performed using the SVSP apparatus and the STSPapparatus, it is desirable to prevent the treatment at a temperatureequal to or higher than the temperature at which the metal structure isgrown.

The metal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grainstructure as described above has high strength and hence, when the metalbody is used as parts of an automobile, it is possible to reduce aweight of automobile and the mileage can be enhanced by reducing theweight of the automobile.

The metal body which is used for manufacturing parts of the automobileis manufactured as follows.

First, the pretreatment for the planar metal plate which has the desiredcomposition is performed. In the pretreatment, the conversion of themetal plate into single phase by cooling the metal plate aftertemporarily heating the metal plate, the dispersion of particles of themetal which forms the metal plate, the adjustment of a residual stressin the metal plate and the like are performed.

Next, by processing the metal plate to which the pretreatment is appliedusing the SVSP method, the metal structure of the metal plate is turnedinto the finer grain structure uniformly and hence, the metal platewhich possesses the high strength and the high ductility is formed.

Particularly, when the metal plate is made of an aluminum alloy, alarge-sized aluminum alloy plate which possesses the high strength andthe high ductility can be formed and hence, a hood, a cowl or the likewhich has a complicated shape can be formed by forging whereby amanufacturing cost can be largely reduced.

Particularly, when these hood, cowl and the like are formed by forging,flanges and the fitting structures which are used for connecting theseparts with other parts are formed integrally and hence, a cost can bereduced by forming a plurality of parts integrally and, at the sametime, the structural strength can be enhanced.

As described the above, by not only forming the metal plate into thedesired metal body using the SVSP apparatus but also treating theround-rod-like metal body which has the desired composition using STSPapparatus after performing the above-mentioned pretreatment, the metalstructure of the metal plate is turned into the finer grain structureuniformly and hence, the metal body which possess the high strength andthe high ductility can be also formed.

The metal body which is formed as described the above possesses a highductility. Accordingly, by performing the forging using a forging moldwhich has a plurality of cylinders after separating the metal body intoparts having desired capacities respectively, for example, as shown inFIG. 31, it is possible to form a body frame socket 80 which has acomplicated form.

The body frame socket 80 of this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 32,used to connect portions of respective frames used in the body frame ofthe automobile. Usually, the respective films are connected to eachother by welding respective frames at the connecting portions. However,with the use of the body frame sockets 80 shown in FIG. 31, the weldingoperation becomes unnecessary and hence, the manufacturing cost can bereduced and, at the same time, the structural strength can be enhancedthan welding whereby the reliability can be enhanced.

With respect to the body frame socket 80 shown in FIG. 31, a firstfitting part 85, a second fitting part 86, a third fitting part 87 and afourth fitting part 88 into which four frames 81, 82, 83, 84 of a firstframe 81, a second frame 82, a third frame 83 and a forth frame 84 whichextend in different directions respectively are inserted respectively,are extended and protruded in a given direction.

Further, insertion holes 85 h, 86 h, 87 h, 88 h which are formed on eachfitting parts 85, 86, 87, 88 by inserting cylinders therein at the timeof forging processing are formed and distal ends of respective frames81, 82, 83, 84 are inserted into and are connected with these insertionholes 85 h, 86 h, 87 h, 88 h.

As another use mode, by applying the method for turning the metalstructure into the finer grain structure using the SVSP method or theSTSP method to a rod-like member such as a steering shaft, it ispossible to provide a rod-like body which possesses the high strength.Further, without turning the whole metal structure of the rod-like bodyinto the finer grain structure, it is possible to turn only a portion ofthe metal structure into the finer grain structure or not to turn only aportion of the metal structure into the finer grain structure thusintentionally imparting irregularities in strength of the metalstructure.

In this manner, when the metal body is the steering shaft which isformed of the rod-like body having the intentional irregularities instrength, it is possible to impart the shock absorbing property to thesteering shaft by allowing the steering shaft to be intentionally brokenwhen an accident occurs.

Alternatively, in the case of forming the bolts, by performing thethread rolling using the rotation of the metal body using the SVSPmethod after turning the member of the rod-like body into the finergrain structure using the SVSP method, it is possible to form the screwwhich possess a high strength easily.

Similarly, in forming a transmission gear, the metal structure of therod-like body member is turned into the finer grain structure using theSVSP method and, thereafter, gear teeth are formed on the rod-like bodymember using a desired die by making use of the rotation of the metalbody of the SVSP method and hence, it is possible to easily form thetransmission gear which possesses the high strength.

A metal body having the finer grain structure as described above isextremely useful not only when the metal body is applied to automobileparts but also when the metal body is applied as target materials forsputtering using a sputtering device in a process for manufacturingsemiconductors.

Particularly, it is possible to produce the metal body having thedesired composition and hence, the produced metal body can have thehomogeneous composition, and at the same time, it is possible to form ahomogeneous metal film having the finer metal structure on asemi-conductor substrate. Further, such a target material for sputteringcan be produced at a cost than a cost for manufacturing the targetmaterial using the ECAP method.

The above-mentioned target material for sputtering is produced in afollowing manner.

First of all, the pretreatment is applied to a metal plate having thedesired composition. In the pretreatment, the conversion of the metalplate into single phase by cooling the metal plate after temporarilyheating the metal plate, the dispersion of particles of the metal whichforms the metal plate, the adjustment of a residual stress in the metalplate and the like are performed.

Next, the metal plate which has already received the pretreatment isprocessed using the SVSP apparatus and hence, the metal structure of themetal plate is turned into the uniform finer grain structure.

After turning the metal structure into the finer grain structure usingthe SVSP apparatus, the crystal orientation of the metal structure isadjusted by allowing the metal plate to be subjected to thenormal-temperature rolling, the cold rolling or the hot rolling or theswaging and, at the same time, the metal plate is formed into a targetshape.

By adjusting the crystal orientation of the finer crystal structure, itis possible to provide the target for sputtering which can produce ahomogeneous metal film on the semiconductor substrate.

Further, in forming the metal plate into the target shape, a metal bodyis formed in an approximately disc-like shape and a recessed groove forcooling is formed in a back side of the metal body. By forming therecessed groove for cooling simultaneously, the manufacturing steps ofthe target for sputtering can be shortened and hence, the target forsputtering can be produced at a lower cost.

Particularly, since the formability of the metal plate is enhanced dueto the finer metal structure obtained by the use of the SVSP apparatus,the cooling recessed groove can be formed with accuracy by cold forgingor hot forging.

Further, after turning the metal structure of the metal plate into theuniform finer metal structure using the SVSP apparatus, it is possibleto adjust the residual stress by heating the metal plate to atemperature at which the metal crystal is prevented from becomingcoarse.

Another manufacturing method can be performed in a following manner. Inthis manufacturing method, the metal body which constitutes a targetmaterial is a round metal rod having the desired composition.

First of all, the pretreatment is applied to the metal rod in the samemanner as the metal plate described above. In the pretreatment, theconversion of the metal plate into single phase by cooling the metalplate after temporarily heating the metal plate, the dispersion ofparticles of the metal which forms the metal plate, the adjustment of aresidual stress in the metal plate and the like are performed.

Next, the metal plate which has already received the pretreatment isprocessed using the STSP apparatus and hence, the metal structure of themetal rod is turned into the uniform finer grain structure.

After turning the metal structure of the metal rod into the finer grainstructure using the STSP device, the metal rod is cut for every givenlength and metal plates are formed by cold forging or hot forging.

By processing the metal plate formed in this manner using the SVSPdevice, it is possible to turn the metal structure of the metal plateinto the further finer grain structure. Thereafter, in the same manneras the above-mentioned metal plate, the crystal orientation of the metalstructure is adjusted by allowing the metal plate to be subjected to thenormal-temperature rolling, the cold rolling or the hot rolling or theswaging and, at the same time, the metal plate is formed into a targetshape.

By producing the metal body which constitutes the target for sputteringusing the STSP method and the SVSP method in a combined form, it ispossible to form the metal body having the extremely finer grainstructure and hence, it is possible to provide the target for sputteringwhich can produce a homogeneous metal film on an upper surface of thesemiconductor substrate.

Particularly, by processing the metal rod using the STSP method, thehomogenization of the composition of the metal rod can be realized andhence, the target for sputtering can be produced from the metal bodyhaving the more homogeneous metal structure and hence, it is possible toform the target for sputtering which can form the homogeneous metal filmon the semiconductor substrate.

By applying the above-mentioned SVSP method and STSP method to followingmaterials besides the automobile parts and the target for sputtering, itis possible to provide materials or parts which can enhance theproperties of the materials or parts.

When a metal body is formed of a magnetic material, it is possible toenhance the formability by turning the metal structure of the metal bodyinto the finer grain structure using the SVSP method or the STSP method.Further, in some cases, it is possible to expect the enhancement of themagnetic susceptibility.

When the metal body is formed of a shape memory alloy, the formabilitycan be enhanced by turning the metal structure of the metal body intothe finer grain structure using the SVSP method or the STSP method thusrealizing the forming the metal body into a finer shape. Particularly,when bolts which are used for assembling electronic equipment are formedusing the shape memory alloy, the electronic equipment can be easilydismantled by dissipating threads on the bolts at the time of scrappingthe electric equipment by making use of the shape memory.

When the metal body is formed of a hydrogen storage alloy, theenhancement of a storage capacity of hydrogen can be expected by turningthe metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structureusing the SVSP method or the STSP method. Further, since the formabilityis enhanced, the metal body can be formed into various shapes and hence,a structural body having a hydrogen storage function can be produced.

When the metal body is formed of a vibration suppressing alloy, theformability can be enhanced by turning the metal structure into thefiner grain structure using the SVSP method or the STSP method thusrealizing the forming the metal body into a finer shape.

When the metal body is formed of an electric heat material, theformability can be enhanced by turning the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure using the SVSP method or the STSPmethod thus realizing the forming the metal body into a finer shape.

When the metal body is formed of a biological material, the formabilitycan be enhanced by turning the metal structure of the metal body intothe finer grain structure using the SVSP method or the STSP method thusrealizing the forming the metal body into a finer shape.

Particularly, titanium which has been conventionally used as abiological material has a drawback that the formability is poor due tohigh hardness thereof thus pushing up a forming cost. However, byturning the metal structure into the finer grain structure using theSVSP method or the STSP method, it is possible to form titanium byforging and hence, titanium parts having desired shapes can be formed ata low cost.

Further, titanium whose metal structure is turned into the finer grainstructure by using the SVSP method or the STSP method is a materialwhich exhibits the high hardness and the low Young's modulus and hencethe biological affinity can be enhanced.

In this manner, the metal body processed using the SVSP method or theSTSP method not only can enhance the formability due to the enhancedductility, but also can obtain the high hardness and hence,light-weighted members having the same strength as the conventionalparts can be formed whereby the method can realize the reduction ofweight of ships, airplanes, transportation equipments such asautomobiles, and architectural structures such as high-rise buildingsand bridges.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, with the use of the method and the device forprocessing the metal body of the present invention, it is possible toextremely easily produce the metal body having the high strength and thehigh ductility and hence, the metal body having the high hardness andthe high ductility can be provided at a low cost.

1. A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structureof the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a lowdeformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein using a non-low deformationresistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformationresistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which islowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-lowdeformation resistance region is formed along the low deformationresistance region.
 2. A method for processing a metal body which turnsthe metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure byforming a low deformation resistance region which traverses the metalbody by locally lowering the deformation resistance of a metal bodywhich extends in one direction and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein using a non-low deformationresistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformationresistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which islowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-lowdeformation resistance region is formed along at least one sideperiphery of the low deformation resistance region.
 3. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 2, wherein the metal body ismoved along the extending direction and, at the same time, the non-lowdeformation resistance region is formed by the non-low deformationresistance region forming means along side peripheries of the lowdeformation resistance region at a downstream side in the movingdirection.
 4. A method for processing a metal body according to claims1, wherein the non-low deformation resistance region forming meansincludes cooling means which cools the metal body.
 5. A method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed in avacuum.
 6. A method for processing a metal body which turns the metalstructure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming alow deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion is formed in a high pressure atmosphere.
 7. A method forprocessing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformationresistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered inthe metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region byshearing, wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed in anactive gas atmosphere.
 8. A method for processing a metal body accordingto claim 7, wherein the active gas is nitrogen gas.
 9. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 7, wherein the active gas ismethane gas and/or carbon monoxide gas.
 10. A method for processing ametal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into thefiner grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance regionwhere the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal bodyand by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing,wherein a powdery material is sprayed to the low deformation resistanceregion.
 11. A method for processing a metal body which turns the metalstructure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming alow deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein ion doping is applied to the lowdeformation resistance region.
 12. A method for processing a metal bodywhich turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grainstructure by forming a low deformation resistance region where thedeformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and bydeforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, wherein thelow deformation resistance region is formed by applying second heatingto the metal body after applying first heating for a given time.
 13. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein the lowdeformation resistance region is formed by applying second heating tothe metal body after applying first heating for a given time.
 14. Amethod for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a lowdeformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion is formed in a non-constraining region of constraining meanswhich constrains the metal body heated to a high temperature.
 15. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein the lowdeformation resistance region is formed in a non-constraining region ofconstraining means which constrains the metal body heated to a hightemperature.
 16. A method for processing a metal body according to claim5, wherein the metal body is quenched after the deformation by shearing.17. A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structureof the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a lowdeformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion is formed by heating the metal body and, at the same time, themetal body is quenched after the low deformation resistance region isdeformed by shearing.
 18. A method for processing a metal body accordingto claim 5, wherein the low deformation resistance region is formed byheating the metal body and, at the same time, the metal body is quenchedafter the low deformation resistance region is deformed by shearing. 19.A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a lowdeformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, the low deformation resistance region isformed in the metal body which is immersed in a liquid.
 20. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 19, wherein the lowdeformation resistance region is formed by heating the metal body in theliquid.
 21. A method for processing a metal body according to claim 20,wherein in forming the low deformation resistance region, the heatconductivity of a periphery of the low deformation resistance region islowered.
 22. A method for processing a metal body according to claim 20,wherein in forming the low deformation resistance region, bubbles aregenerated in a periphery of the low deformation resistance region.
 23. Amethod for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a lowdeformation resistance region where the deformation resistance islocally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformationresistance region by shearing, wherein the metal body which has thefiner metal structure is subjected to plastic forming without turningthe metal structure into coarser grain structure.
 24. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein the metal bodywhich has the finer metal structure is subjected to plastic formingwithout turning the metal structure into coarser grain structure.
 25. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 23, wherein theplastic forming is performed in a heated state for a short time whichdoes not turn the metal structure of the metal body into coarser grainstructure.
 26. A method for processing a metal body according to claim23, wherein the aging treatment is performed without turning the metalstructure into coarser grain structure after the metal structure issubjected to the plastic forming.
 27. A method for processing a metalbody according to claim 1, wherein the metal body is subjected to thecarburizing treatment.
 28. A method for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 1, wherein the metal structure of the metal body isturned into the finer grain structure by stretching the low deformationresistance region.
 29. A method for processing a metal body according toclaim 1, wherein the metal structure of the metal body is turned intothe finer grain structure by compressing the low deformation resistanceregion.
 30. A method for processing a metal body according to claim 6,wherein the metal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollowportion and the hollow portion is held in a reduced pressure state. 31.A method for processing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein themetal body is formed in a cylindrical body having a hollow portion andthe hollow portion is held in a high pressure state.
 32. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein a forming guidebody which forms the metal body into a given shape is brought intocontact with the low deformation resistance region.
 33. A method forprocessing a metal body according to claim 32, wherein the forming guidebody constitutes heating means which heats the metal body.
 34. A methodfor processing a metal body according to claim 32, wherein the formingguide body constitutes cooling means which cools the metal body.
 35. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 1, wherein the lowdeformation resistance region is formed in a transverse manner in themetal body which is extended in one direction, and the low deformationresistance region is moved along the extending direction of the metalbody.
 36. A method for processing a metal body according to claim 1,wherein the low deformation resistance region traverses the metal body,and one of non-low deformation resistance regions of the metal bodywhich sandwich the low deformation resistance region has a positionthereof fluctuated relative to another non-low deformation resistanceregion is fluctuated thus deforming the low deformation resistanceregion by shearing.
 37. A method for processing a metal body accordingto claim 36, wherein the fluctuation of the position is a vibratorymotion having vibratory motion components which allow the vibratorymotion of one non-low deformation resistance region relative to anothernon-low deformation resistance region in the direction substantiallyorthogonal to the extending direction of the metal body.
 38. A methodfor processing a metal body according to claim 36, wherein thefluctuation of the position is a one-way rotational motion which allowsthe rotation of one non-low deformation resistance region relative toanother non-low deformation resistance region about a rotary axis whichis arranged substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body.
 39. A method for processing a metal body according to claim36, wherein the fluctuation of the position is a both-way rotationalmotion which allows the rotation of one non-low deformation resistanceregion relative to another non-low deformation resistance region about arotary axis which is arranged substantially parallel to the extendingdirection of the metal body.
 40. A method for processing a metal bodybeing characterized in that a metal body in a heated state which isextended in one direction is moved along the extending direction, themetal body is cooled by allowing the metal body to pass through coolingmeans, and the cooled metal body is subjected to a vibratory motion thusturning the metal structure in the metal body into the finer grainstructure by deforming the metal structure by shearing before the metalbody is allowed to pass through the cooling means.
 41. A method forprocessing a metal body being characterized in that in performingsolution heat treatment by quenching a metal body which is heated up toa temperature for performing the solution heat treatment using coolingmeans, the metal body at a quenched portion is deformed by shearing thusturning the metal structure into finer metal structure and the solutionheat treatment is performed.
 42. A method for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 41, wherein the deformation of the metal body byshearing is performed by imparting a vibratory motion which includesvibratory motion components which generate the vibratory motion in thedirection substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of themetal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body.
 43. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 41, wherein thedeformation of the metal body by shearing is performed by imparting aone-way rotational motion which generates the rotation about arotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body.
 44. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 41, wherein thedeformation of the metal body by shearing is performed by imparting aboth-way rotational motion which generates the rotation about arotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body which is extended in one direction to the metal body.
 45. Amethod for processing a metal body according to claim 41, wherein themetal body whose metal structure is turned into the finer grainstructure is formed into a given shape by performing plastic formingunder a condition which prevents the metal structure from becomingcoarse.
 46. A method for processing a metal body which turns the metalstructure of the metal body into the finer grain structure in which afirst low deformation resistance region and a second low deformationresistance region which traverse the metal body are formed in aspaced-apart manner by a given distance by locally lowering thedeformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction,a non-low deformation resistance region which increases the deformationresistance larger than the deformation resistance of the first lowdeformation resistance region and the second low deformation resistanceregion is formed between the first low deformation resistance region andthe second low deformation resistance region using non-low deformationresistance region forming means, and a vibratory motion includingvibratory motion components in the direction orthogonal to the extendingdirection of the metal body is imparted to the non-low deformationresistance region thus deforming the first low deformation resistanceregion and the second low deformation resistance region by shearing. 47.A method for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure ofthe metal body into the finer grain structure in which a first lowdeformation resistance region and a second low deformation resistanceregion which traverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart mannerby a given distance by locally lowering the deformation resistance ofthe metal body which extends in one direction, a non-low deformationresistance region which increases the deformation resistance larger thanthe deformation resistance of the first low deformation resistanceregion and the second low deformation resistance region is formedbetween the first low deformation resistance region and the second lowdeformation resistance region using non-low deformation resistanceregion forming means, and a one-way rotational motion about a rotaryaxis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal bodyis imparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deformingthe first low deformation resistance region and the second lowdeformation resistance region by shearing whereby the metal structure ofthe metal body is turned into the finer grain structure.
 48. A methodfor processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metalbody into the finer grain structure in which a first low deformationresistance region and a second low deformation resistance region whichtraverse the metal body are formed in a spaced-apart manner by a givendistance by locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metalbody which extends in one direction, a non-low deformation resistanceregion which increases the deformation resistance larger than thedeformation resistance of the first low deformation resistance regionand the second low deformation resistance region is formed between thefirst low deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region using non-low deformation resistance region formingmeans, and a both-way rotational motion about a rotary axissubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body isimparted to the non-low deformation resistance region thus deforming thefirst low deformation resistance region and the second low deformationresistance region by shearing.
 49. A method for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 46, wherein the metal body is moved along theextending direction.
 50. An apparatus for processing a metal bodycomprising: low deformation resistance region forming means which formsa low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal body bylocally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body whichextends in one direction; non-low deformation resistance region formingmeans which forms non-low deformation resistance region by increasingthe deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformationresistance region, and displacement applying means which displaces oneside of the metal body which sandwiches the low deformation resistanceregion with another side of the metal body relative to another side ofthe metal body, wherein the apparatus turns the metal structure of themetal body into the finer grain structure by deforming the lowdeformation resistance region by shearing along with the displacementapplied by the displacement applying means.
 51. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, wherein the displacementapplying means applies a vibratory motion including vibratory motioncomponents in the direction which intersect the extending direction ofthe metal body to the metal body.
 52. An apparatus for processing ametal body according to claim 50, wherein the displacement applyingmeans applies a one-way rotational motion including about a one-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body to the metal body.
 53. An apparatus for processing a metalbody according to claim 50, wherein the displacement applying meansapplies a both-way rotational motion including about a both-wayrotational axis substantially parallel to the extending direction of themetal body to the metal body.
 54. An apparatus for processing a metalbody according to claim 50, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion forming means is heating means which heats the metal body to agiven temperature or more.
 55. An apparatus for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 50, wherein the non-low deformation resistance regionforming means is cooling means which cools the metal body.
 56. Anapparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 50, wherein theapparatus includes supply means which supplies the metal body along theextending direction.
 57. An apparatus for processing a metal bodyaccording to any one of claim 56, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion forming means includes preheating means which heats the metalbody to a second heating temperature after heating the metal body to afirst heating temperature and holding the first heating temperature fora given time.
 58. An apparatus for processing a metal body according toclaim 57, wherein the first heating temperature is a temperature whichis necessary for solution heat treatment of the metal body.
 59. Anapparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 56, wherein theapparatus includes aging treatment means which performs the agingtreatment of the metal body whose metal structure is turned into thefiner grain structure by holding the metal body at a temperature whichprevents the metal structure from becoming coarser.
 60. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 56, wherein a forming guidebody which forms the metal body in a given shape is brought into contactwith the low deformation resistance region.
 61. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 60, wherein the forming guidebody is heating means which heats the metal body.
 62. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 60, wherein the forming guidebody is cooling means which cools the metal body.
 63. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 56, wherein the metal body isa cylindrical body having a hollow portion, and the apparatus includesflattening means which cuts the metal body whose metal structure isturned into the finer grain structure along the extending direction ofthe metal body so as to form the planar body.
 64. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, wherein the lowdeformation resistance region forming means forms the low deformationresistance region in a vacuum.
 65. An apparatus for processing a metalbody according to claim 50, wherein the low deformation resistanceregion forming means forms the low deformation resistance region in ahigh pressure atmosphere.
 66. An apparatus for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 50, wherein the low deformation resistance regionforming means forms the low deformation resistance region in an activegas atmosphere.
 67. An apparatus for processing a metal body accordingto claim 66, wherein the active gas is nitrogen gas.
 68. An apparatusfor processing a metal body according to claim 66, wherein the activegas is methane gas and/or carbon monoxide.
 69. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 50, wherein low deformationresistance region forming means includes powdery material spraying meanswhich sprays a powdery material to the low deformation resistanceregion.
 70. An apparatus for processing a metal body according to claim50, wherein low deformation resistance region forming means includes iondoping means which dopes ions to the low deformation resistance region.71. An apparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 50,wherein the low deformation resistance region forming means forms thelow deformation resistance region by heating the metal body which isimmersed in the liquid at a given temperature or more.
 72. An apparatusfor processing a metal body according to claim 71, wherein in formingthe low deformation resistance region, the heat conductivity of aperiphery of the low deformation resistance region is lowered.
 73. Anapparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 71, in formingthe low deformation resistance region, bubbles are formed in a peripheryof the low deformation resistance region.
 74. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body comprising: moving means which moves a metalbody which extends in one direction along the extending direction;heating means which heats the metal body to a temperature for performingthe solution heat treatment; cooling means which quenches the metal bodyheated by the heating means; and shearing deformation means whichdeforms a portion of the metal body which is cooled by the cooling meansby shearing.
 75. An apparatus for processing a metal body according toclaim 74, wherein the shearing deformation means applies a vibratorymotion which includes vibratory motion components which perform thevibratory motion in the direction substantially orthogonal to theextending direction of the metal body to the metal body.
 76. Anapparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 74, wherein theshearing deformation means applies a one-way rotational motion whichrotates the metal body about a one-way rotating axis substantiallyparallel to the extending direction of the metal body to the metal body.77. An apparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 74,wherein the shearing deformation means applies a both-way rotationalmotion which rotates the metal body about a both-way rotating axissubstantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal body tothe metal body.
 78. An apparatus for processing a metal body comprising:moving means which moves the metal body in a heated state extending inone direction along the extending direction; cooling means which forms anon-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformationresistance by cooling the metal body; and vibratory motion applyingmeans which applies a vibratory motion to the non-low deformationresistance region, wherein the metal structure in the metal body beforebeing supplied to the cooling means is turned into the finer grainstructure by the deformation by shearing due to the vibratory motionapplied by the vibratory motion applying means.
 79. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body comprising: first low deformation resistanceregion forming means which forms a first low deformation resistanceregion which traverses the metal body by locally lowering thedeformation resistance of the metal body which extends in one direction;second low deformation resistance region forming means which forms asecond low deformation resistance region which traverses the metal bodyby locally lowering the deformation resistance of the metal body at aposition spaced apart from the first low deformation resistance regionby a given distance; non-low deformation resistance region forming meanswhich forms non-low deformation resistance region by increasing thedeformation resistance which is lowered in the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance regionbetween the first low deformation resistance region and the second lowdeformation resistance region, and displacement applying means whichapplies the displacement for deforming the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance region byshearing to the non-low deformation resistance region, wherein theapparatus turns the metal structure of the first low deformationresistance region and the second low deformation resistance region intothe finer grain structure.
 80. An apparatus for processing a metal bodyaccording to claim 79, wherein the displacement applying means applies avibratory motion including vibratory motion components in the directionwhich intersect the extending direction of the metal body to the non-lowdeformation resistance region.
 81. An apparatus for processing a metalbody according to claim 79, wherein the displacement applying meansapplies a one-way rotational motion including about a one-way rotationalaxis substantially parallel to the extending direction of the metal bodyto the non-low deformation resistance region.
 82. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 79, wherein the displacementapplying means applies a both-way rotational motion including about aboth-way rotational axis substantially parallel to the extendingdirection of the metal body to the non-low deformation resistanceregion.
 83. An apparatus for processing a metal body according to claim79, wherein the first low deformation resistance region forming meansand the second low deformation resistance region forming means areheating means which heats the metal body to a given temperature or more.84. An apparatus for processing a metal body according to claim 79,wherein the non-low deformation resistance region forming means iscooling means which cools the metal body.
 85. An apparatus forprocessing a metal body according to claim 79, wherein the apparatusincludes supply means which supplies the metal body along the extendingdirection.